Correct Way to Start a Ford Focus

Dogbreath said:
On the flip side if it was in gear (and you didn't notice) then letting the clutch out after it's started it could make things a lot worse
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This happened to me once. Couple of years ago we went to France on the ferry and I was driving. I rarely leave my car in gear unless I park on a hill, but of course on the ferry you are meant to leave it in gear as the ship is likly to roll around.

Anyway, we got back in the car. I dipped clutch, started engine, but I still hadn't checked the gearstick as I usually do. So, with engine running and car in gear, I instinctively took my foot off the clutch. Horrible noise, nasty lurch and engine stalled...luckily the handbrake was still on and I didn't hit the car in front. Much embarrasment for me though :D
 
Dogbreath said:
On the flip side if it was in gear (and you didn't notice) then letting the clutch out after it's started it could make things a lot worse
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This is true.

NathanE said:
I prefer to simply wiggle the gear lever to ensure it's in neutral. Never done it any other way and this method has never failed me either!
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This. Become such a force of habit I forgot I do it.
 
i always park in gear, driveway and road at front of my house are both pretty decent enough hills, and the megane doesnt let you start it unless your foots on the clutch anyway.
 
I always start with the clutch down just because its an easier load for the battery and starter motor. Same as I dont turn the lights on and start the car like some people do.
 
I think the fact remains you should really be leaving the car in gear whenever you park. There's no reason for not making the extra precaution, especially if you follow what the manual says and dip the clutch before starting. Once started keep the clutch down, check / select the right gear and go.
 
( |-| |2 ][ $;12971427 said:
I think the fact remains you should really be leaving the car in gear whenever you park. There's no reason for not making the extra precaution, especially if you follow what the manual says and dip the clutch before starting. Once started keep the clutch down, check / select the right gear and go.
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Indeed, the manual will also tell you to park in gear.
 
If you wanna argue against it, you're wearing the clutch release / thrust bearing out a bit more than you would without dipping the clutch.

I do normally park in gear, and start with my foot on the clutch, then shift the car to neutral, lift the clutch up (to spin up the box) and then back down again for 1st.
 
I'm driving a new 08 focus and I have never started the car with the clutch down, just start it when in neutral, and then clutch down and into first and go. Is this doing damage to the car?
 
I always check that the car is out of gear as I leave it in gear when parked.

I don't de-clutch whilst turning the key though.
 
I have to drive a lot of different cars, and some gearboxes feel sloppier then others in neutral, so I've always just started the car with clutch in.

There is not right/wrong way, but obviously one way has less failure modes then the other!
 
Fothsn said:
I'm driving a new 08 focus and I have never started the car with the clutch down, just start it when in neutral, and then clutch down and into first and go. Is this doing damage to the car?
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This is what I do, I aways take my car out of gear when parking and start in neutral :confused:.
 
I just get in, wiggle gear stick to make sure its neutral. Then i start the car, put it in first and move off.

Does it make a difference putting the lights on before i start the engine?
 
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