Should the Clutch Be Depressed When Starting the Car?
2 Answers
Starting the car with the clutch depressed is primarily to prevent the car from suddenly lurching forward during startup, which could lead to accidents. This is especially crucial when starting on uphill or downhill slopes, where failing to depress the clutch may cause the car to roll, potentially resulting in accidents. Therefore, the primary reason for depressing the clutch when starting a manual transmission car is safety. Additionally, depressing the clutch during startup protects the engine. Without depressing the clutch, the engine would operate under excessive load, causing damage over time. While occasional occurrences may not cause immediate issues, prolonged neglect can lead to gradual engine problems.
I've been driving for most of my life and am accustomed to pressing the clutch before starting a manual transmission car. This disconnects the engine from the wheels, preventing the car from suddenly moving and causing an accident. I remember when I was young and driving in the mountains, once I forgot to press the clutch when starting, and the car lurched forward, nearly rolling downhill—fortunately, nothing bad happened. When starting an automatic transmission car, you usually don’t need to press the clutch, but you should press the brake to ensure the car remains stationary. Developing this habit is simple: sit properly in the car, press the clutch for manual transmission; press the brake for automatic transmission. This protects car components like the motor from overloading and reduces the risk of rolling. The first rule of safe driving is not to overlook this small but crucial step.
