Do You Need to Press the Brake When Shifting Gears?
2 Answers
Shifting gears requires pressing the clutch but not the brake. The clutch pedal must be depressed every time you shift gears. The clutch is a crucial component in the drivetrain, responsible for disconnecting or connecting the engine to the transmission. It is mounted on the engine flywheel, with the clutch pressure plate fixed to the engine flywheel, and the clutch disc positioned between the pressure plate and the flywheel. The clutch disc is a wear-prone part that requires regular replacement. As the vehicle's mileage increases, the clutch disc gradually wears out, necessitating periodic replacement. The clutch disc has a spline in the center, which secures a driveshaft—this driveshaft serves as the transmission's power input shaft.
When driving, I always need to be careful with gear shifting. Pressing the clutch is essential—it must be done every time you shift gears because the clutch disengages the engine's power, allowing smooth gear changes. As for the brake, it's not necessary for every gear shift unless the car comes to a complete stop or when starting. For example, when waiting at a traffic light to start, I press the clutch to engage first gear while also stepping on the brake pedal to prevent the car from rolling forward or backward, especially on slopes. This habit has helped me avoid several rollback issues. During quick gear shifts while driving, pressing the clutch alone is sufficient—no need to involve the brake, as it ensures smoother transitions. In short, remember this rule: press both when stopping and starting, and only the clutch when shifting while driving—simple and safe.