Do You Need to Press the Clutch When Decelerating a Car?

[VonManuel]

Manual transmission cars do not require pressing the clutch when decelerating. However, when braking during driving, each gear must ensure it is above the minimum speed; otherwise, the clutch must be pressed to prevent stalling. Generally, third gear will not stall above 20km/h, fourth gear above 25km/h, and fifth gear above 35km/h. Below is a detailed description: The role of the clutch: The clutch is only used in three situations: starting, shifting gears, and braking at low speeds. Pressing the clutch when braking at low speeds has two benefits: first, it is smoother, and the vehicle will not shake; second, the car will not stall. Therefore, when the clutch is pressed in advance, there is no need to worry about stalling, and you can focus solely on controlling the brake pedal. Remember this: as long as the clutch is pressed, the car will not stall. Correct operation when braking: First press the brake, then the clutch. This is because, in the initial period of braking, the engine, which has been released from the throttle, provides braking force. If the clutch is pressed first, the connection with the engine is severed, and the engine's braking force is lost, relying only on the friction of the brake pads for braking, which increases the braking distance.

[McKaden]

When I first got my driver's license, I was confused about deceleration. The instructor emphasized that for manual transmission cars, deceleration depends on the situation: for slight deceleration, just use the brakes without pressing the clutch to avoid waste. However, when coming to a complete stop, such as at a red light, once the speed drops to 15 km/h, you must press the clutch to prevent stalling, otherwise the car will shake and lose control. Coasting in neutral should be absolutely avoided as it increases fuel consumption and wear while reducing control. Driving in the city, I've gotten used to using the brakes first to slow down and then pressing the clutch as I approach a stop. Now it's very smooth, and safety comes first—don't rush into small tricks as beginners are prone to mistakes.

[Alan]

After driving for over a decade, I've learned that pressing the clutch when decelerating in a manual transmission car is crucial for safety. When preparing to stop, you must press the clutch to prevent stalling, as losing power steering at critical moments can be terrifying. However, during high-speed deceleration, such as when going downhill, you can use engine braking first by applying the brakes lightly to slow down, then downshift by pressing the clutch to change gears, which is more fuel-efficient. Remember, coasting in neutral without pressing the clutch is dangerous as it increases braking distance, especially noticeable in rainy conditions. I've witnessed accidents caused by this, so I've developed good habits to ensure smooth deceleration as the priority.

[LaLola]

Common issues in car repair: It's unnecessary to always press the clutch when slowing down a manual transmission. Unless shifting gears, such as downshifting to slow down, pressing the clutch is only needed when braking is sufficient. Frequent clutch pressing accelerates wear on the clutch plates, leading to troublesome and costly replacements. Only press the clutch when slowing down to prepare for a stop to avoid stalling and protect engine components. During normal driving, try to keep the clutch in a semi-engaged state for better control.