When parked up do you leave your car in gear?

[danza]

Yes, always (except the other day when I got in my Suzuki Swift and noticed it roll back about 6 inches when I sat down).

 

[LostPhil]

If I'm out and about I normally do now, don't on the drive since there's no real chance of anything hitting it and it's level.

 

[Too Tall]

My parents house in Wales is on quite a steep road so ive always left cars in gear by habit as a result. Usually in 3rd gear.

 

[jamoor]

yes, I also press the clutch when starting the car, I can't believe some people dont do these things.

 

[Cob]

Yup always.

 

[MrFunex]

The compression stroke is too short on the ground in 1st and reverse, 2nd gear is best.

I tend to leave my car in 1st if on a hill, otherwise in neutral. Logic would (to me) dictate that the engine would have more chance at braking the car if in the lowest possible gear, as it'd have to do more revolutions if the car were to move. Is 2nd the best choice then?

Sorry... being a n00b...

 

[BigglesPiP]

1st gear (or reverse) is definitely where most force needs to be applied to overcome the compression stroke of whichever piston/s are compressing at that moment.

But I have always been told that in 1st the compression is too short, and in practice is easier to overcome. So 2nd is better on balance.

Science is required here. Motors meet at Millbrook, 10 minutes.

 

[deko]

always park it in gear, driving a megane where you have to have the clutch in to start the car means its a habit now and in gear isnt a problem.

 

[Lopéz]

Always park in gear, always have.

 

[Bigsy]

1st is best to leave it in not 2nd, its pretty straight forward if you think about the gearing. Lower gear means less wheel revolutions to turn the crank the same amount as a higher gear meaning it takes more force!

Ever tried bump starting in 1st gear? Don't!

 

[real]

If it's on a hill then yes, otherwise no.

Same.

 

[Matt82]

always and GF doesnt understand, and she had some right shonky cars she shed just past her test

 

[oneale90]

No, Unless its on a very steep hill ( which i have never come across)

 

[Meridian]

Only on hills

Ditto. I have a nasty tendency to lean in and start the car without even checking that it's in neutral (giving the oil longer to warm up. Yes, it's silly) so it's kinda necessary.


M

 

[SexyGreyFox]

yes, I also press the clutch when starting the car, I can't believe some people dont do these things.

Both my girls will get in the car, switch on and the car will jump forward if I parked it.
None of them check it is out of gear or press the clutch down.
They were taught by the same instructor and he told them never to leave a car parked in gear so this is why I started this thread.
All I can say - idiot instructor.

 

[stinka]

i always leave it on first

 

[ScoobyDoo69]

Yup always in gear. Did it to my friends car the one time, even stated that I left it in gear, then she knocked down the wall

 

[Matt82]

Both my girls will get in the car, switch on and the car will jump forward if I parked it.
None of them check it is out of gear or press the clutch down.
They were taught by the same instructor and he told them never to leave a car parked in gear so this is why I started this thread.
All I can say - idiot instructor.

my first car had a bad handbrake and weak battery so needed to be kept in gear incase it rolled away and had to be started with foot on the clutch to give the battery every chance it needed

 

[TaKeN]

yes, I also press the clutch when starting the car, I can't believe some people dont do these things.

+1

I also can't believe people can start up any vehicle without depressing the clutch. You have to be a complete retard to not do it IMO (no offense peeps )

Infact, to start the majority of tractors you HAVE to put your foot on the clutch otherwise it won't let you start it.

 

[Lashout_UK]

Yes, all the time.