Most people are not aware of this: What you should do when you start your car

Drivers of cars with a manual transmission can reduce the wear and tear on the car’s engine, starter motor and battery with a little habit.

It is recommended to fully depress the clutch before turning the key or pressing the start button at every start, even if the car is in neutral.

This is according to an article in the Czech automotive media Autozive.

The reason is that the engine can otherwise be loaded by several mechanical components at the same time, which increases both resistance and energy consumption.

When the clutch is pressed, the connection between the engine and gearbox is broken, making it easier for the starter motor to start the engine.

This is especially true when the car has been stationary for a long time or has been exposed to temperature drops during the night.

Less load in cold weather

Especially in cold conditions, the effect can be obvious.

Cold oil and stiff components increase the internal resistance of the drive train.

If the clutch is not pressed in, the starter motor must not only turn the engine, but also overcome resistance from the gearbox and any drive shafts.

According to Autozive, this means that the battery has to deliver more power over a longer period of time, which can shorten the life of both the battery and the starter motor.

In addition, older cars may benefit more from this starting method, as the components may already be worn out.

A worn-out battery will also benefit from minimizing resistance when starting.

A quick and easy start also reduces the risk of the car failing to start on the first attempt, which can be a challenge on cold mornings.

Automatic transmission requires a different approach

Cars with automatic transmission are designed differently.

Here, it’s usually the brake pedal that needs to be pressed to activate the start function.

The clutch found in manual cars is not present. However, this does not change the purpose, which is to make the starting moment as gentle as possible for the car’s mechanical and electrical systems.

Therefore, by following the advice to depress the clutch at every start, the driver can reduce unnecessary wear and tear and improve the car’s reliability, especially in difficult conditions.

Small habits can make a big difference to your car’s technical health in the long run.