Hypothetical Question

[Mantessa]

Out of curiousity.


When you start a car in first, the car jolts forward a couple of times,

What would happen if the 'gas' pedal was down?

[boxtops]

Pardon? Mine doesn't - when I start in first, it glides smoothly away....

[alexanderd]

I assume you mean with the handbrake on, why would you want to do it? You arent doing the car any good

[Mantessa]

Well, when you start a car in first with the clutch up... it jolts.
If you had the gas pedal down, what would happen.

I could obviously do it if i wanted to but I know it would do some damage.

Like I said, I was just curious.

[boxtops]

I still don't understand, why would you want to damage your car?

[alexanderd]

Well I would guess the car would try to shoot forward but stall if the brake was on

[Mantessa]

Boxtops forget it lol, I dont want to damage the car, thats why its a hypothetical question, I was just curious.

Thanks Alex.

[Toureman]

Can't help,

my car runs on petrol; not gas, Where do you live in the USA?

[BenDToy]

In theory you could drive off like this. I once managed to drive a car with a brooken clutch cable in this way. Although it wasn;t a very smooth "take off" in first. It worked much better in second gear. And it certainly helps if you release the handbrake!!!

[ChuckFickens]

Same as doc, I used to oen an old fiesta that broke it's clutch cable on random days with a Y in them!

You can start a car like you say, it will jump forwards a couple of times then the engine will catch, it will probably kangaroo a couple more times then pull off.

Driving a car with no clutch (or no brakes!) certainly teaches you very quickly the importance of anticipating what's going to happen ahead of you.

[Ankou]

its likley it wouldn't accelerate off but just stall.

most modern cars now require the clutch to be pushed in for it to start, or the brake pedal on an automatic.

[TWR]

It depends how good a handbrake you have, if its adjusted right the car would stall, if the adjustment was poor the car would travel.

[Hopkirk]

Which modern cars require the clutch pedal to be pushed in for them to start, Ankou?

[ChuckFickens]

Most modern Toyotas, BMWs, vauxwagons, fords..... the list goes on.

However, as the switch for the system is normally on the pedal then if the cable broke you'd still be able to start it by pushing the clutch pedal down even though it didn't release the clutch.

[Hopkirk]

Well I never.

I do always press the clutch when starting, but didn't know that. Thanks Chucky.

[cazzz1975]

you will wreck the gear on the end of the starter motor or/and the toothgear on the flywheel because there is too much pressure in moving the car.

[cazzz1975]

sorry I read the top question :S