After Shifting Gears, Should You Press the Clutch First or Release the Throttle First?
3 Answers
After shifting gears, you should release the throttle first. Below are some related introductions about gear shifting: 1. Gear Shifting Techniques: Avoid "sudden acceleration," which is both unsafe and fuel-inefficient; do not coast in neutral, as a vehicle without power becomes passive and is prone to traffic accidents. When shifting gears, always remember the principle "accelerate before upshifting, decelerate before downshifting." Before upshifting, "rev" the throttle to increase the speed first, and before downshifting, "ease off" the throttle to reduce the speed first. 2. Gear Shifting Methods: When shifting gears in a manual transmission car, the clutch must be fully depressed. If the clutch is not fully depressed while shifting, it can easily cause abnormal noises and damage the gears. Speed should match the gear. Generally, first gear corresponds to 10-20 km/h, second gear to 20-30 km/h, third gear to 30-40 km/h, fourth gear to 40-50 km/h, and fifth gear to speeds of 60 km/h or above.
As a seasoned manual transmission driver, I believe the first step after shifting should be gradually releasing the clutch. The complete shifting process typically involves depressing the clutch, shifting to the new gear, and after completing the shift, not rushing to touch the accelerator. Instead, slowly release the clutch to the semi-engagement point, allowing the engine and transmission to smoothly connect. At this point, the engine speed will naturally match the vehicle speed. If the accelerator is released or depressed too quickly, the significant difference in RPM can cause the car to jerk or even stall. For example, in stop-and-go city traffic, I've tried skipping steps, resulting in the car lurching forward and backward, which not only feels uncomfortable but also increases clutch wear. Proper operation makes driving smoother and reduces the chance of malfunctions. I recommend practicing to get a feel for it—release the clutch fully before gently pressing the accelerator to maintain power, especially important when climbing hills to prevent rolling back. Remember, good habits come from attention to detail; smooth shifting enhances the overall experience and protects the vehicle's lifespan.
From a vehicle performance perspective, it's best to release the clutch first after shifting before considering the throttle. The clutch pedal operation should be completed before shifting gears. After completing the gear shift, if the clutch hasn't been fully released yet, it should be gradually released to allow engagement. The throttle adjustment should be slightly delayed - wait until the clutch engagement stabilizes before accelerating or easing off. This prevents the engine RPM from dropping too suddenly, avoids transmission shock, and ensures smooth vehicle operation without jerking. With more driving experience, I've realized that getting the sequence wrong increases wear and affects driving comfort; I once reversed the sequence during emergency braking, resulting in severe vehicle shudder that gave me a scare. The key lies in coordinating hand and foot movements - this sequence ensures power continuity and safety in different road conditions like highways or turns.
