I’m sure we’ve all experienced it. Dad or Mum left the lights on over night in the car and… hey, presto! Next time you get to the car, the engine won’t burst into life because the battery is flat. Oops. However, all is not lost. There is a method, known as the clutch start , that can be applied that will enable the car to be started with a flat battery. A clutch start can be used for starting a vehicle that has a manual transmission – and a flat battery.

A clutch start can be done in a few simple steps with a little help from either friends or gravity.

Clutch start step one: Position the key to “on”

Clutch start step two: Engage the clutch and find second or third gear.

Clutch start step three: Get the car moving. This is done by pushing, pulling or rolling the vehicle down a handy slope, if available.

Clutch start step four: When the car is moving at about 15–30 km/hr, disengage the clutch slowly until the engine is turned over by the (now moving) driving wheels and transmission parts that are linked to the flywheel and engine compartment. The engine will burst into life and the problem is solved. You have successfully made a clutch start.

After you have used the clutch start to get going, take your car for a good run – maybe for some refreshments for your helpers, who have had to push your car at a run while you did the clutch start. This will recharge your car’s battery (and the refreshments will recharge the friends). Otherwise, if your battery has really had it, drive to the service station or battery centre for a new one.

We hope that helps answer the question ‘What is What is a Clutch Start?’!

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