Is it OK to change gear without pressing down the clutch when the engine is off?
Does it damage or wear anything?
Besides the general question, I also have a more specific question: When starting a car I:
- Check that parking brake is engaged
- Press the clutch (and keep depressed for remaining steps)
- Change gear to neutral
- Crank the engine
In that order. I am wondering if I can swap step 2 and 3 (i.e. change gear from first to neutral without pressing clutch, then pressing the clutch just before cranking).