Will the Engine Stall When Releasing the Clutch in Neutral Gear?
2 Answers
Releasing the clutch in neutral gear will not cause the engine to stall. Here are the relevant details: Reasons why releasing the clutch in neutral gear won't stall the engine: When the clutch is released in neutral gear, no power is delivered to the car, and the engine does not experience sudden load. If the clutch is suddenly released while in gear, the engine will bear an abrupt load, often causing the car to stall. That's why when starting the car, you need to release the clutch slowly and press the accelerator appropriately. Hazards of coasting in neutral gear: When the transmission is in neutral, the drive wheels lose their driving force, and the connection between the engine and the drive wheels is severed in terms of both power and resistance. The car relies solely on its own inertia to coast forward. If the vehicle is heavily loaded or going downhill for a long distance or extended period, the brakes may overheat due to friction and gradually lose effectiveness, inevitably leading to longer braking distances. In adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow, or when braking on slippery roads or after driving through water, the car may skid, braking response may slow down, and braking distances may increase, compromising safety.
After driving for so many years, I've noticed that releasing the clutch in neutral gear doesn't cause the engine to stall. This is because when the transmission is in neutral, there's no mechanical connection between the engine and the drive wheels, so releasing the clutch essentially lets the engine run freely. The idle control system automatically maintains the engine at its lowest speed, typically around 800 RPM, keeping it running smoothly. If the engine does stall, it's likely not due to releasing the clutch but rather other issues, such as ignition system faults or sensor failures. I've seen some people mistakenly believe that releasing the clutch in neutral causes stalling, but this is usually due to incorrect gear selection or starting problems. In daily driving, it's important to develop good clutch habits, like shifting to neutral when parked to reduce wear. Additionally, regular checks of the vehicle's idle settings are recommended to ensure all systems are functioning properly and to avoid unnecessary trouble.