Clutch on startup

[THX911]

I have had a couple of guys say it is advisable to hold the clutch down when starting the car even if the car is in neutral. Apparently it helps shifting in and out of lower gears easier till the car warms up; any truth or mechanical justification behind that?

Many thanks

 

[Guest]

It saves wear and tear on the starter motor as it doesn't have to turn the gearbox over too, but otherwise can see no other reasoning behind it.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Also a safety precaution if you "thought" you were in neutral, but were not[&:]

 

[Michael Downing]

ORIGINAL: Mark Bennett
Also a safety precaution if you "thought" you were in neutral, but were not[&:]

Been there. Done that. Can I also suggest lifting the clutch gently after starting. Otherwise the exercise is a little pointless []

Fortunately for me, the [nameless individual] who left it in gear was wise enough to have parked a distance from the wall equal to [distance car will jerk forward before stalling] plus 1 inch.

 

[Guest]

It also states in your owners manual to start the car with the clutch in.

 

[Buzz]

My car will not even turn over if the clutch is not held in!?

Buzz.

 

[Guest]

What car is that then?

 

[Tool Pants]

In the US we have a clutch starter interlock. You have to have the clutch pedal down in order to start the car. It has been this way for many years on cars with a manual transmission. Someone said you Brits also got this 'safety' device for the 987.

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: Tool Pants

In the US we have a clutch starter interlock. You have to have the clutch pedal down in order to start the car. It has been this way for many years on cars with a manual transmission. Someone said you Brits also got this 'safety' device for the 987.

[]Correct its on my 987 "S"

 

[Buzz]

Mine too ,

Buzz.

 

[Tool Pants]

Too bad. Next we will send you the ugly air bag warning stickers we have on the visors. Then the 'objects in mirror are closer than the appear' warning on the passenger mirror. Then the trunk release levers inside the trunks.

 

[kitchens]

Tip drivers dont have this problem....I have told you all before ..some day all cars will be made this way .[][]

Brian

 

[Tool Pants]

With a tip I think you have to step on the brake pedal before you can start the car. At least in the US.

 

[Rodney Naghar]

In the UK, just as long as it's in Park or Neutral, you're good to go.

 

[JCB..]

With a tip I think you have to step on the brake pedal before you can start the car. At least in the US.

That's the 'Smart' option! [&:]

(See sig)

 

[Tool Pants]

The smart option was years ago after Audi had an automatic transmission model that liked to run over the owner, so I remember.

In California we no longer have a MOT-type safety inspection. Just smog. With an OBDII car your have to go on the dyno.

 

[Shellman]

Its good practice to dip the clutch when starting up any car, this is especially true in the winter with a tickened oil...ask any member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
Reasons: see reply by jonathansbuk