Should You Press the Clutch When Turning Off the Engine?
2 Answers
You do not need to press the clutch when turning off the engine. Below is the relevant introduction: 1. Clutch Position: The clutch is located inside the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission. The clutch assembly is fixed to the rear plane of the flywheel with screws, and the output shaft of the clutch is the input shaft of the transmission. 2. Clutch Function: During driving, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily disconnect or gradually engage the engine and the transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the power from the engine to the transmission. The clutch is a common component in mechanical transmission systems, allowing the drivetrain to be disconnected or engaged at any time. Its basic requirements include: smooth engagement, quick and thorough disengagement; easy adjustment and repair; compact size; lightweight; good wear resistance and sufficient heat dissipation capacity; easy and effortless operation. Commonly, clutches are divided into two types: jaw clutches and friction clutches.
As a seasoned manual transmission driver, I believe pressing the clutch when turning off the engine is a good habit. I remember when I first started driving, there was a time I didn't press the clutch when shutting down, and the car jerked forward upon the next start, giving me quite a scare. Later, I learned that pressing the clutch completely disconnects the engine from the transmission, preventing the engine from bearing load in a stopped state and protecting the transmission gears. Every time I park, I follow the routine: brake to slow down, shift to neutral, then press the clutch, and finally turn off the engine. This simple yet practical operation reduces component wear over time and saves on repair costs. Automatic transmission cars don't require this step, but for manual transmissions, developing this habit has truly made my driving smoother.
