Clutch pedal when starting car

jase1

peter_the_piper wrote: »

That'll take some getting used to if I buy a new car. I've always left car parked in gear and started in neutral, habit really

I leave my car parked in gear as well.

It's good practice not to move the gearstick in/out of gear with the clutch depressed, regardless of whether the engine is running. So you already have the foot on the floor, it's not such a bit step to leave it there when firing up.

Joe_Horner

jase1 wrote: »

I leave my car parked in gear as well.

It's good practice not to move the gearstick in/out of gear with the clutch depressed, regardless of whether the engine is running. So you already have the foot on the floor, it's not such a bit step to leave it there when firing up.

I hope you mean "without the clutch depressed"

Parva

Very interesting reading, I consider myself educated. I still however dispute the fact that my engine is going to explode because I choose to depress the clutch pedal to lighten the load on the starter motor but c'est la vie.

Joe_Horner

Parva wrote: »

Very interesting reading, I consider myself educated. I still however dispute the fact that my engine is going to explode because I choose to depress the clutch pedal to lighten the load on the starter motor but c'est la vie.

It probably won't, unless you drive an old OHV Triumph - they were a bit bad for chewing thrust washers and spitting the remains into the sump. On the other hand, you're unlikely to harm the starter by not pressing the clutch either, unless you drive an old OHV Triumph which were prone to wear in the starter nose bearing....

Destination_..._?

I always thought you use reverse gear and first gear when parking facing uphill or down hill ? Why use it when stationary parked on a flat road .

clangnuts

Destination_..._? wrote: »

I always thought you use reverse gear and first gear when parking facing uphill or down hill ? Why use it when stationary parked on a flat road .

My thoughts too. I wonder if you'd pass a driving test if you parked up and left it in gear for no reason?

jase1

Joe_Horner wrote: »

I hope you mean "without the clutch depressed"

:D

Yup!

almillar

Mazda RX8 manual advises to start with clutch pressed, since, as explained above, it'll mean that less of the transmission is being turned along with the engine, which means less strain on the starter motor and battery.