Start the Engine First or Depress the Clutch?
2 Answers
Depress the clutch first to avoid starting the engine while in gear. The clutch is located inside the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission. The clutch assembly is secured to the rear plane of the flywheel with screws, and the output shaft of the clutch is the input shaft of the transmission. During driving, the driver can depress or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily separate or gradually engage the engine and transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the power from the engine to the transmission. Benefits of depressing the clutch: 1. Reduce starting load: When the vehicle is in neutral, although the engine input shaft gear is not engaged with the transmission power output gear, part of the engine's power is still consumed by components such as the clutch driven disc and output shaft. Depressing the clutch cuts off this consumption, thereby reducing the load on the starter and battery, and making the start smoother. 2. Prevent accidents: Some drivers are accustomed to using gears to park and do not have the habit of depressing the clutch when starting the vehicle. If they forget that the vehicle is in gear, the sudden movement during startup can cause a lurching phenomenon, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. 3. Extend engine life: If the driver does not depress the clutch, the engine can still start, but it will increase the burden on the starter and the current output of the battery, affecting the ignition effect of the engine. Over time, this can cause certain damage to the engine.
For manual transmission cars, I always press the clutch pedal before starting the engine. This is because pressing the clutch disconnects the engine from the transmission, preventing the car from suddenly moving. If you start the engine without pressing the clutch and the handbrake isn't fully engaged or the car is in first gear, the car might lurch forward, which is especially dangerous on a slope. Safety first—developing this habit can prevent many accidents. I once saw someone in a parking lot start their car without pressing the clutch, and the car surged forward, nearly hitting a wall. So every time I get into the driver's seat, I press the clutch before turning the key to ensure everything is safe. This applies to both new and experienced drivers—it's important to stay vigilant in daily driving. Remember this step for a more secure driving experience.
