What is the difference between neutral gear and depressing the clutch?

[McAdam]

Different working principles: Engaging neutral gear disconnects the power transmission from the engine through the clutch to the transmission's drive shaft and output shaft. Depressing the clutch disconnects the power transmission from the engine to the transmission through the separation of the clutch contact surfaces. For detailed explanations, please see below: Different requirements: 1. Engage neutral gear when temporarily stopping the vehicle. When parking after the engine is turned off (on flat ground), engage neutral gear (or P gear for automatic transmission vehicles). It is not advisable to engage neutral gear while driving, as it may affect driving safety. Neutral gear should only be used as a transitional position between gear shifts. 2. Depressing the clutch is an operation performed when starting the vehicle, shifting gears, or preparing to stop. The duration of depressing the clutch should not be too long, as it may cause a decrease in the spring pressure of the clutch, leading to power transmission loss and a shortened service life.

[BlakelyLynn]

After driving a manual transmission taxi for ten years, I've learned the key differences between neutral and clutch control. In neutral, the transmission completely disconnects from the engine - wheels turn freely without engine drive, ideal for resting your foot at red lights. Depressing the clutch merely interrupts power transfer while keeping the gear engaged (either in drive or reverse), maintaining connection between engine and wheels. This helps briefly relieve leg fatigue during stop-and-go traffic, but prolonged clutch depression can burn the pressure plate. Remember: always depress clutch when shifting gears, and releasing clutch in neutral is safe. However, never rely on neutral to park on steep slopes - always use parking brake. While neutral simplifies daily operation, always verify neutral position before starting the engine.

[SanElias]

When I repair cars, I always teach my apprentices these details. Putting the car in neutral means the transmission enters a resting state, with no gear engagement. Pressing the clutch is like hitting a pause button—it temporarily disconnects the engine from the wheels via the pressure plate separation. If idling without acceleration, the car can still coast by inertia when the clutch is pressed, but in neutral, the car glides freely and saves more fuel. However, keeping the clutch pressed for extended periods wears out the clutch disc, especially in traffic jams—shifting to neutral is better for protecting the car. Never press the clutch while turning, as it’s just as dangerous as being in neutral and can cause loss of control.

[VonCooper]

During driving lessons, the instructor always yells at me for confusing these things. Neutral gear is when the gear lever is in the middle position, the engine power is not transmitted, and the car is at a standstill, so you can shift to neutral to rest. Pressing the clutch is when the left foot pedal is fully depressed, instantly disengaging the engine power, and it's only used when shifting gears. The key difference lies in the position of the gear lever: in neutral, you can release the clutch anytime without issue, but when the clutch is pressed and the gear is still in drive, you must act immediately, otherwise releasing the clutch will cause the car to lurch forward. For hill starts, coordinate the clutch and handbrake, and don't rely on neutral gear.