Can the clutch be released when stopping at a fixed point on a slope?

[Phyllis]

When stopping at a fixed point on a slope, it is best not to release the clutch. When going uphill, the clutch should be in a semi-engaged state: Then stabilize the clutch and the steering (the right wheel must not cross the rightmost yellow line on the right side). When reaching the stopping point, press the clutch and brake simultaneously (the interval between pressing the clutch and brake should not exceed 2 seconds). When stopping at a fixed point: It is not recommended to maintain a semi-engaged clutch while pressing the brake. If the degree of semi-engagement is not well controlled, pressing the brake can easily cause the engine to stall. This is because beginners tend to unconsciously release the clutch with their left foot when pressing the brake hard with their right foot. It is better to press both the clutch and brake together and apply force simultaneously.

[ElisaMarie]

When performing hill start on an incline, you must never release the clutch. I remember when I first learned to drive, I once stopped on a slope in my neighborhood thinking just depressing the clutch would suffice. Suddenly the car started rolling backward and nearly hit a flower bed – fortunately I braked in time. That experience taught me that releasing the clutch means the engine loses control over the wheels, allowing gravity to pull the vehicle downhill, which is extremely dangerous. All safe driving manuals emphasize using either the foot brake or handbrake to secure the vehicle in such situations to prevent accidents. This is particularly crucial on congested slopes like urban traffic light intersections – developing the habit of keeping your foot on the brake can prevent many troubles. For hill starts, it's best to coordinate with the handbrake while gradually releasing the clutch and applying throttle, ensuring both safety and smooth operation.

[DiDerek]

As an experienced driver who frequently navigates mountain roads, I can tell you that releasing the clutch when parking on an uphill slope is not advisable. Once the clutch is released, the car can roll back like it has no brakes, making it prone to sliding downhill. The correct approach is to firmly press the foot brake or engage the handbrake to lock the wheels. I've seen many beginners hit other cars' rear ends due to this mistake, resulting in unnecessary repair costs. When performing hill starts or parking on a slope, the clutch should only be used briefly for initial movement—once parked, the braking system must take over. During regular practice sessions, focus on using the handbrake to assist with starting and get comfortable with coordinating the clutch and throttle. Mastering this will help you maintain control in challenging road conditions. Keep this in mind to minimize mistakes on the road.

[OZane]

The clutch connects the engine and the transmission. Releasing it means the power transmission is interrupted, and the car relies entirely on the brakes to stop. When parking on an uphill slope, gravity will pull the car backward due to the incline. If you don't press the foot brake, the car will roll back in no time. Having driven manual transmission cars for many years, I never dare to release the clutch when parking on a slope. It's a habit to step on the brake to ensure safety. Simply put, releasing the clutch is a big no-no; you must rely on the brakes to lock the wheels in place.