You use the clutch wrong!

In addition to activating the third pedal to start and shift gears, the driver must remember another critical moment to use it

To preserve the vehicle and its safety, don't forget to use the clutch. (Photo: Adobe Stock | AutoPapo)
By Boris Feldman
Published on 2026-01-13 at 06:00 PM

If your car has a manual transmission, then most likely you only use the clutch when starting or shifting. But is that right? The answer is: no, it is wrong.

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How so? Wrong why? Because the clutch must also be activated at the moment when the engine is going to be started, when the key to activate the starter motor is turned.

And there are many people who question: “if the car is in neutral, then why activate the clutch?” First, because, even in neutral, the engine will be driving some internal components of the box.

The second reason is related to a safety issue. The driver may think he is in neutral, but he may have some gear engaged and the car will make a dangerous jump when the start is activated. In fact, it is no wonder that many more modern cars only saw the start with the clutch activated.

Boris Feldman

Journalist and engineer with 50 years of experience in the automotive press. He led newspaper and television teams and hosts the AutoPapo program on radio stations throughout the country.

Boris Feldman
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