Can You Press the Accelerator While Releasing the Clutch?
2 Answers
It is best not to press the accelerator while releasing the clutch. You should always release the accelerator first before pressing the clutch. The specific reasons are as follows: 1. Clutch: The clutch in a car serves to cut off or connect the engine's power. When the clutch is pressed, the engine's transmission disconnects from the wheels, and the engine's power is no longer transmitted to the wheels. If the accelerator is not released after pressing the clutch, the engine continues to work, which not only has no effect but may also damage the clutch release bearing. 2. When the clutch and accelerator are operated simultaneously: Pressing the clutch cuts off the engine's power transmission, putting the engine in a no-load state. At this point, pressing the accelerator will cause the engine speed to suddenly increase, and you may even hear the sound of revving.
After driving manual for so many years, I believe that pressing the accelerator while releasing the clutch is practically a must-learn skill. Every time I start or shift gears, I have to lightly press the accelerator while slowly releasing the clutch to prevent the car from jerking or stalling. The most common mistake beginners make is releasing the clutch without pressing the accelerator, causing the engine to stall as soon as they lift the pedal—leading to dangerous and embarrassing rollbacks during hill starts. My trick is to first press the accelerator to around 1500 RPM, wait for the engine sound to stabilize, then lift the clutch until I feel the engagement point—this ensures a smooth start. In city traffic, this technique helps me get moving faster when the light turns green, avoiding delays that might annoy others. With enough practice, it becomes as natural as walking—the key is coordination, avoiding excessive throttle or releasing the clutch too quickly to prevent wheel spin or wasted fuel. Remember, improper technique accelerates clutch wear, and repairs aren’t cheap. In short, pressing the accelerator is fine, but mastering the skill ensures safety.
