Do You Need to Press the Clutch Every Time You Brake in a Manual Transmission Car?

[DiClara]

Pressing the clutch is not always necessary when braking. The clutch is only used in three situations: starting, shifting gears, and braking at low speeds (to avoid stalling). Generally, you don't need to press the clutch when slowing down. In emergencies, the clutch and brake should be pressed simultaneously. Some situations require pressing the clutch, while others don't—it's not a fixed procedure. 1. The main purpose of pressing the clutch while braking is to avoid stalling, but braking without pressing the clutch doesn't necessarily cause stalling. Conversely, if the speed hasn't reached a critical point, there's no need to press the clutch. 2. If you press the clutch while turning, it can sometimes make the car more prone to skidding because it causes a sudden loss of tire grip. 3. Third gear won't stall above 20 km/h, fourth gear won't stall above 25 km/h, and fifth gear won't stall above 35 km/h. Therefore, when braking while driving, each gear must maintain a speed above its minimum threshold; otherwise, you must press the clutch to avoid stalling.