Can You Release the Clutch While Keeping the Brake Pressed During Start-Up?
3 Answers
Under normal circumstances, when the car is on a flat road, there is no need to press the brake during start-up. Therefore, there is no need to consider whether to release the clutch or the brake first; simply release the clutch to the semi-engaged position. However, during driving practice, instructors often instruct learners to press the brake for safety reasons, to prevent the car from lurching forward if the gear was not in neutral. Below is an introduction to car start-up procedures: Foot Brake Start-Up: While keeping the foot brake pressed, depress the clutch, shift into first gear, and release the clutch to the semi-engaged position. When the body of the car slightly vibrates and the front lifts, release the foot brake, and the car will start moving slowly forward. Hand Brake Start-Up: When starting with the hand brake, there is no need to press the foot brake, provided that the car is parked on a slope and the hand brake is engaged to stabilize the car. The specific operation method is: hold the steering wheel steady with the left hand, depress the clutch, shift into first gear, place the right hand on the hand brake, release the clutch to the semi-engaged point, and immediately release the hand brake, allowing the car to move forward smoothly.
As a seasoned manual transmission driver with over a decade of experience, I must warn you: never release the clutch while keeping your foot on the brake during startup! The clutch needs to work in harmony with the accelerator for a smooth takeoff. Braking forces the engine and clutch into conflict, almost guaranteeing a stall. Even if you barely manage to start, you'll hear the clutch plates grinding painfully. Once, in a hurry, I tried it—the vibrations were strong enough to rattle my teeth. Remember this mantra: partial clutch engagement with gas, release brake when car trembles. This technique is especially crucial for hill starts; even with impatient honking behind you, stay calm. Driving manual requires perfect harmony between driver and machine—get the basics wrong, and problems will follow.
Over the years as a driving instructor, I've witnessed countless beginners making the mistake of pressing the brake while releasing the clutch during startup. The correct sequence is: gently lift the clutch pedal with your left foot until reaching the semi-engagement point (slight vehicle vibration), swiftly move your right foot from the brake to the accelerator for a light press, then release the brake after power transmission engages. Pressing the brake while releasing the clutch is like driving with the parking brake on - it drastically increases drivetrain load (easily causing stall) and causes severe high-temperature wear on clutch plates. Novice drivers should practice clutch-throttle coordination in empty areas, focusing on identifying the semi-engagement position. Automatic transmissions eliminate this issue, but mastering manual transmission is where true driving skill lies.
