Can You Release the Clutch After Shifting to Neutral?
2 Answers
No. After depressing the clutch and shifting gears, when the car's speed hasn't yet increased, the clutch should be released slowly. Releasing the clutch too quickly can cause the engine to stall. The concept of the clutch: The clutch refers to the separation device between the car's engine and the transmission, also known as the clutch. How the clutch works: The driving part and the driven part of the clutch transmit torque through friction between contact surfaces, or use liquid as a transmission medium (hydraulic coupling), or use magnetic transmission (electromagnetic clutch) to temporarily separate and gradually engage. The engine's transmission device needs to deliver different speeds to the wheels depending on the vehicle's speed.
When I was learning to drive, I was also curious about this question. My instructor told me it's completely fine. After shifting into neutral, you can release the clutch because the transmission has already disengaged from the engine's power, which won't cause the car to move or stall. This is especially practical when waiting at traffic lights, as your left foot doesn't have to keep pressing the clutch, reducing fatigue and prolonging the clutch's lifespan. Just make sure the gear is indeed in neutral, as a wrong operation might cause the car to stall or roll. Overall, from a beginner's perspective, this habit is quite good—it makes driving easier, especially in congested urban areas with frequent stops and starts. Developing the habit of shifting into neutral and releasing the clutch can make driving much more comfortable.