Can You Release the Clutch in First Gear?
3 Answers
After releasing the clutch, keep your foot on the clutch pedal, pay attention to the surrounding conditions, and control the speed. Move in stop-and-go traffic, using half-clutch and half-brake, and the road will become smooth. Then, accelerate, increase speed, press the clutch, and shift gears. Generally, when the gear is in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, your foot should lightly rest on the clutch pedal because you need to shift gears or use half-clutch at any time. This is also why many people say manual transmissions are difficult to drive and prefer automatic transmissions. Automatic starting steps: Get in the car, fasten the seatbelt, and adjust the seat. Quickly press the clutch pedal and shift into first gear. Turn on the signal light, check the surroundings (both side mirrors), and release the handbrake. Quickly lift the clutch to the semi-engagement position, pause slightly, then slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator to ensure a smooth start.
I've been driving manual transmission for over a decade, and releasing the clutch in first gear is no problem—the key is to start smoothly. When I first started learning to drive, my instructor always told me to slowly lift my left foot to the semi-engagement point, wait for the car to shake, then release the brake and gently tap the accelerator with my right foot. Once you get the hang of it, you can feel that seamless connection. Releasing the clutch too quickly can easily stall the engine, especially on uphill sections. I remember one time in a parking garage when the car in front suddenly braked on a slope, and I avoided rolling back by using semi-engagement and light throttle. Releasing the clutch in first gear is like walking—you lift your heel first and transition naturally. New car clutch plates are quite durable, so there's no need to be too nervous.
Manual transmission is all about the harmony between man and machine. For the trick of engaging first gear and releasing the clutch, I recommend beginners first practice finding the friction point in an empty lot. Press the brake, engage first gear, and slowly lift your left foot until the hood slightly vibrates—then release the brake, and the car will creep forward. When starting at a red light, I prefer to release to the friction point and immediately add throttle, gaining half a beat in traffic. Reversing into a parking spot relies even more on clutch control for speed—fully releasing it can be dangerous. Remember to get the speed up to around 15 km/h before shifting to second gear, or the car will jerk and shudder. Ultimately, the engine tachometer and throttle modulation are what really matter.
