What is the reason why the car does not move after shifting gears?
2 Answers
When a car does not move after shifting gears, it is a comprehensive functional failure of the vehicle. The issue may involve the clutch, transmission, and drive axle. During inspection, it is necessary to first check whether the car's drive wheels are functioning properly, followed by examining the clutch. Gear shifting refers to the transmission, which is used to change the torque and speed of the engine crankshaft to meet the varying requirements of traction and speed for the drive wheels under different driving conditions, such as starting, accelerating, driving, and overcoming various road obstacles. The car's transmission allows the vehicle to maintain very low engine speeds and relatively low driving speeds, and it also enables the car to reverse, among other functions, making driving more convenient and efficient.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have encountered the issue of the car not moving after shifting gears a few times. Here's a simple sharing of my inspection experience. Usually, start with the clutch first—if the clutch plate of a manual transmission car is worn or not adjusted properly, stepping on it won't disengage well, making gear shifting futile. Insufficient or deteriorated transmission fluid in older cars can also interrupt power transmission, and changing to new fluid often solves the problem. I remember once after parking in the rain, the brake discs rusted and locked the wheels, requiring a lot of effort to free them. During diagnosis, it's recommended to shift gears on a flat road and lightly press the accelerator to listen to the engine sound. If the RPM increases but the car speed doesn't, it points to a transmission issue; try coasting downhill to see if the car moves with the gear engaged to assess the clutch. In severe cases, a broken half-shaft or damaged differential means calling a tow truck. Safety is paramount—immediately pull over and turn off the engine; don't force it to avoid damaging the car. Regular maintenance of clutch fluid and the brake system is the best prevention.
