Why Must You Start the Engine in Neutral?

[SanAmelia]

Starting the engine in neutral is necessary for the following reasons: 1. Reducing engine resistance: The engine starts with the assistance of an electric motor, which is powered by the car battery and has limited power. Starting the engine in gear increases the load on the starter motor, making it harder to start and potentially damaging the starter. 2. Safety: Starting the engine in gear can cause the car to lose control momentarily, leading to accidents and posing safety hazards. Therefore, to prevent accidents caused by starting in gear, cars are designed to start in neutral.

[DiCassandra]

I remember when I was young and driving an old car, my mentor taught me that starting in neutral is a basic safety practice. If you start the car while it's in gear, the engine's torque is directly transmitted to the drive wheels, which could cause the car to suddenly lurch forward or roll backward, especially on slopes, leading to serious accidents like hitting people or objects. This habit also protects the transmission, as the engine bears a heavy load during startup, and being in gear can accelerate wear and tear, leading to costly repairs over time. Nowadays, even though automatic transmissions allow starting in 'P' (Park), using neutral is still safer to avoid accidents caused by misoperation. Developing this habit not only ensures peace of mind but also reduces noise, enhancing driving comfort. In short, safe driving starts with small details.

[VonIsaac]

I didn't understand the importance of neutral gear startup until I nearly had an accident. Once I started the car while it was in D gear, and it suddenly lurched forward, almost hitting the car in front. It scared me to death. Since then, I always make sure to shift to neutral before starting. This is also better for the engine, as it reduces the load during startup and protects transmission components like the clutch plate from premature wear. Automatic transmission owners shouldn't be lazy either - while P gear is safe, neutral is even safer, especially on slopes or in crowded areas. Protecting your car means saving money. Daily habits may seem small, but they matter. Developing good routines makes driving more reassuring.

[OSamantha]

I learned from the car enthusiasts' circle that starting in neutral is key to mechanical protection. During startup, the engine runs at high RPMs. If the car is in gear, the force is directly transmitted to the transmission, increasing stress and damaging components. In manual transmissions, this can burn the clutch, while in automatics, it wears internal gears. Not doing so may also increase fuel consumption or cause abnormal noises. Developing this habit is simple—check the gear position before turning the key to avoid safety hazards like rolling accidents. Long-term adherence makes the car more durable.