Do You Need to Press the Accelerator When Upshifting a Manual Transmission?

[StAllison]

When shifting gears in a manual transmission car, you need to press the accelerator, but you should release it before shifting and press it again after shifting. Otherwise, the clutch can wear out easily. Choose the right time to shift based on the RPM: The optimal shifting point varies from car to car. Cars with quick RPM rise and strong high-RPM torque can shift at 3000 RPM or even 4000 RPM, while cars with strong low-end torque can often shift at just above 2000 RPM. Manual transmission shifting: To shift a manual transmission, first release the accelerator, press the clutch, and then shift gears. Normally, when shifting, you press the clutch and release the accelerator simultaneously. The moment the power is cut off, the engine RPM starts to drop. If the accelerator is released too early, the engine RPM may drop first, potentially causing engine braking and resulting in jerking.

[JanelleDella]

I'm quite experienced with gear shifting. When upshifting a manual transmission, you must coordinate with the throttle! Back when I was learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized: depress the clutch, shift gears, and as you slowly release the clutch, you need to start giving it some gas. This technique is called throttle-clutch coordination, and the key is to maintain the engine RPM. If you only release the clutch without giving it gas, the car speed will suddenly drop, and the engine will be dragged by the wheels, causing a jerky sensation that can make you dizzy. Especially when shifting from a lower gear to a higher one, the throttle input needs to be very precise—for example, when shifting from second to third gear, you typically need to add around 1,500 RPM. At first, I was lazy and only released the clutch without giving it gas, resulting in every gear shift feeling like a sudden brake, earning me many scoldings from the instructor. Now, I naturally coordinate my left hand for shifting and my right hand for throttle-clutch control, making the drive as smooth as Dove chocolate.

[OMartin]

Having driven manual transmission for over a decade, pressing the accelerator is an essential action when upshifting. The specific operation is: when you press the clutch to prepare for an upshift, your right foot, which was initially accelerating, should release the pedal. After shifting into a higher gear, gradually release the clutch while simultaneously pressing the accelerator again. The depth of the accelerator should be determined by the RPM. For example, shifting at 2000 RPM and then compensating to around 1500 RPM feels the most comfortable. I remember when I first started driving, I was confused. Once, I only released the clutch without pressing the accelerator, and the car jerked violently, almost making me throw up my breakfast. Later, I understood that this happens because the engine RPM drops below the wheel speed, creating a reverse drag force. Now, every time I shift gears, I instinctively tap the accelerator lightly, especially during frequent gear changes in the city. This small amount of throttle makes the shifts as smooth as an automatic transmission.

[DelGabriel]

Of course you need to step on the gas when upshifting a manual transmission! The key lies in RPM matching. Before shifting, the engine runs at high speed. After depressing the clutch and engaging the gear, the RPM drops sharply. If you don't step on the gas at this point, it won't match the vehicle speed. Here's how I do it every time I upshift: release the gas while depressing the clutch, and start lifting the clutch while simultaneously applying throttle the moment the gear is engaged. This motion has become muscle memory for me, especially when shifting from third to fourth gear - my right foot precisely gives about 1,300 RPM. I remember once driving a friend's old car when I forgot to step on the gas and just released the clutch - the whole car shook violently, even the steering wheel was trembling. Later inspection revealed even the engine mount rubber was cracked from the vibration. So now I've engraved the throttle-stepping motion into my DNA.