Can You Release the Clutch After Starting in First Gear?
4 Answers
You can release the clutch after starting in first gear. After engaging first gear, the clutch should be released slowly, and once the car starts moving, you can fully release it. Because first gear provides a relatively high output torque, the clutch must be released gradually to prevent the car from jerking forward abruptly or stalling. Below are precautions for using the clutch and an introduction to the method of starting a car: Precautions for Using the Clutch: After fully releasing the clutch, keep your foot above it to monitor surrounding conditions and control the speed. Generally, when the gear is in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, your foot should lightly rest on the clutch for easy gear shifting at any time. Method for Starting a Car: After getting into the car, fasten your seatbelt and adjust the seat. Quickly press the clutch pedal all the way down and engage first gear. Turn on the turn signal, check the side mirrors to observe the surroundings, release the handbrake, quickly lift the clutch to the half-engagement point and pause slightly, then slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator to ensure a smooth start.
Back when I was learning to drive, my instructor kept reminding me of this - you must release the clutch after starting! When I first started driving, I was always afraid of stalling and kept the clutch pedal pressed too hard. My instructor then said the clutch disc would burn out. The correct way is to gradually lift your foot off the clutch pedal once the car starts moving and the RPM stabilizes. Beginners often make the mistake of releasing too quickly, causing jerking, or too slowly, wasting fuel. Remember: after starting in first gear, give a little gas to reach around 1500 RPM, then lift the clutch steadily. When the speed reaches about 15 km/h, you can shift to second gear. Practice more at traffic lights, and you'll soon master that feeling of harmony between man and machine.
This question reminds me of the clutch disc I saw at the auto repair shop last time - it was burnt black as charcoal. You must release the clutch after starting, otherwise the power won't reach the wheels at all. Just look at the tachometer to understand: when starting, pressing the clutch disconnects the power, and releasing it after the car moves connects the engine to the wheels. The key is to lift the pedal gradually instead of releasing it abruptly, otherwise the sudden load increase on the engine can easily cause stalling. My driving habit is to gently apply throttle with my right foot while releasing the clutch with my left foot, maintaining 1200-1800 RPM - this technique works especially well for hill starts.
My cousin who just got his driver's license also asked about this. Simply put, you must release the clutch to start successfully, otherwise the half-clutch state not only wastes fuel but also damages the car. I taught him a trick: watch the speedometer and start lifting the clutch evenly when the speed reaches 5-10 km/h, while listening for changes in the engine sound. If the sound becomes heavy, add a little throttle; if the car feels like it's lurching forward, press the clutch slightly. Remember, the essence of manual transmission is the coordination between the clutch and throttle, like the rhythm of a dance. Experienced drivers operate using muscle memory.
