Clutch or Brake First When Decelerating?
2 Answers
Here is the relevant introduction about whether to press the clutch or brake first when decelerating: 1. Non-emergency situation: If the situation ahead is not urgent and the distance is long, you can appropriately apply the brake without pressing the clutch. 2. Heavy traffic with slow speed: If the traffic ahead is heavy and moving slowly, braking alone is insufficient, and downshifting is necessary. 3. Emergency situation: If the situation ahead is extremely urgent, press both the clutch and brake simultaneously.
When slowing down, I usually press the brake first and wait for the speed to gradually decrease before pressing the clutch. This helps maintain stability and prevents stalling. For example, when approaching a red light, I lightly press the brake to reduce the speed to around 20 km/h before pressing the clutch and shifting to neutral, allowing the car to come to a smooth stop. Pressing the clutch first would cause the car to lose engine braking, which is especially dangerous on downhill slopes—it becomes harder to control and also wears out the brake pads. Additionally, during slow-moving traffic, I anticipate early, maintain a safe distance, and use light braking combined with partial clutch engagement, avoiding frequent gear shifts for smoother operation. Having driven a manual transmission for nearly a decade, this method has saved me a lot on repair costs.
