Why does the car start but not move?

[EmersynLee]

The reasons why the car starts but does not move are as follows: 1. Worn clutch plate: needs replacement. Due to severe wear of the clutch plate, it loses friction and can no longer transmit the engine's power to the transmission, failing to establish effective power transfer. 2. Car out of fuel: causing the car to be unable to move. Battery depletion, insufficient power to drive the starter motor, resulting in inadequate motor speed. Additional information: 1. Car ignition system: For spark-ignition engines to operate normally, the system supplies the spark plugs with sufficiently high-energy high-voltage electricity (approximately 15,000 to 30,000V) in the correct firing order for each cylinder, generating a strong enough spark to ignite the combustible mixture. 2. Traditional ignition: The mechanical ignition system operates by the crankshaft driving the distributor shaft, which rotates a cam to open and close the primary contacts of the ignition coil, thereby generating high voltage.

[MicahAnn]

My car wouldn't move at all after starting it once, and I was really panicked. It could be that the handbrake wasn't fully released, jamming the wheels; or the gear might have been incorrectly engaged—for manual transmissions, you need to confirm if it's in neutral or if the clutch wasn't pressed, while automatic transmissions should be in drive. Another possibility is that the wheels were stuck by foreign objects, like parking on stones or ice. Transmission failure can also affect power delivery, such as clutch slippage or gear jamming. I later realized that neglecting regular checks on the brake system and transmission fluid can easily lead to this issue. If you encounter a similar situation, I suggest gently pressing the accelerator to test the response first. If that doesn't work, quickly turn off the engine and inspect to avoid forcing it and causing greater damage. In severe cases, it's best to seek professional help.

[McAubree]

After driving for a long time, I've noticed that the car starting but not moving is a common issue. The main cause is usually the parking brake not being properly released, especially in older cars where it can rust and seize. Incorrect gear selection is also frequent—manual transmissions might not be fully engaged, while automatic transmissions can lock the wheels if not firmly set after parking. Even if the engine is running, power not reaching the wheels could indicate a drivetrain problem, such as a damaged differential or broken drive shaft. Another often overlooked factor is a weak battery causing startup but insufficient system voltage. I recommend regularly checking brake and transmission components during maintenance, changing fluids periodically to avoid breakdowns. If this happens, don't experiment—safely park and wait for assistance.

[MariaAnn]

I frequently deal with cars, and if the car doesn't move after starting, it's mostly related to transmission issues. First, check if the handbrake is fully released, then look at the gear: for manual transmissions, ensure the clutch is depressed when shifting gears, and for automatic transmissions, confirm it's in the correct gear. Worn-out clutch slipping or low transmission fluid can cause power interruption; problems with universal joints or the driveshaft can also lead to this. More rarely, it could be a differential failure, directly locking the rear wheels. If encountered, don't panic; try shifting into reverse or drive. If there are any abnormal noises, stop immediately. Regular maintenance focusing on lubricating key components can effectively prevent such failures.