Do You Need to Accelerate When Downshifting?
2 Answers
Downshifting does not require acceleration. Here are the details about downshifting: Downshifting Operation Introduction: When downshifting, release the accelerator pedal, quickly press the clutch pedal, shift the gear lever into neutral, then release the clutch pedal. Quickly tap the accelerator pedal with your right foot (adding "empty throttle"), press the clutch pedal again quickly, shift the gear lever into a lower gear, and release the clutch pedal following the fast-stop-slow technique to allow the car to continue driving in the new gear. Downshifting Timing Introduction: While driving, if you feel the engine lacks power and the speed gradually decreases, it indicates that the current gear can no longer maintain normal driving. You should promptly and quickly shift to a lower gear. If the speed drops significantly, you can skip a gear when downshifting.
When downshifting, it's usually necessary to apply some throttle, especially in manual transmission vehicles, to synchronize the engine speed with the transmission and reduce jerking. The operation is quite simple: first press the clutch, add a little throttle to slightly increase the engine speed, then shift into a lower gear, and slowly release the clutch. If this isn't done, the car may suddenly jerk or pull back, causing discomfort and increasing wear on the clutch and engine. Having driven many manual transmission cars, I find this technique very practical in daily driving, such as when going downhill or slowing down, as matching the revs ensures smoothness. Developing this habit not only protects the vehicle but also saves fuel, leading to long-term savings and peace of mind. I recommend beginners practice in simple scenarios and avoid sudden throttle application to prevent accidents.
