The Natural Philosopher wrote:
Mark Carver wrote:
Rod wrote:
:Jerry: wrote:


First rule taught to all in the motor trade, ALWAYS depress the
clutch (or put the left foot on the brake if the vehicle is an
automatic) BEFORE operating the starter, a sloppy / mal-adjusted
gear leaver can give the 'appearance' of being in neutral (or park)
but not actually being so.

snip

I was told, when I first started driving, to engage the clutch when
starting because it relieves load on the battery/starter. This may have
been more of an issue with cars of the time, but it's a habit I've never
got out of.

Rob