What is the principle of not being able to start the engine without pressing the clutch?
2 Answers
Without pressing the clutch, the friction between the gear pairs in the transmission, as well as between the gears and the drive shaft, will be applied to the engine, increasing the starting resistance. This results in a longer engine start-up time and, in severe cases, prevents the engine from starting. Details about the clutch are as follows: Clutch location: 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. Clutch function: During vehicle operation, the driver can press 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.
After driving for so many years, I've realized that the engine won't start without pressing the clutch pedal, a design primarily for safety reasons. If you start the engine directly when the transmission is in gear, the sudden power from the engine can drive the wheels, causing the car to lurch forward or backward. At best, it might hit an obstacle; at worst, it could lead to an accident. Once, while helping a friend repair his car, he turned the key without pressing the clutch, and the car immediately moved a few meters and hit a wall. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The principle is that there's a clutch switch in the car—only when the clutch pedal is pressed does it complete the circuit, allowing the starter to engage and turn the engine over. Without pressing the clutch, the switch remains open, and the starting system won't respond. This isn't redundant but a protective mechanism, especially crucial when starting in a garage or on a slope. It's advisable to develop the habit of pressing the clutch before starting the engine and to occasionally check if the switch under the pedal is functioning smoothly to avoid malfunctions causing trouble. Safe driving starts with small details.
