Why Must You Start the Engine in Neutral?
2 Answers
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.
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.
