Do You Need to Press the Clutch When Downshifting a Manual Transmission Car?

[Boromir]

When downshifting a manual transmission car, you need to press the clutch. In an emergency, the correct method is to first press the brake to reduce speed, then press the clutch and quickly shift to a lower gear. Remember, the first action should always be pressing the brake to slow down the car as quickly as possible. However, avoid stomping on the brake suddenly to prevent the engine from stalling. Notes on braking and clutching: If you need to slow down while driving, first press the brake. Do not press the clutch with your left foot while braking with your right foot, as this can cause the car to lose traction suddenly, especially on slippery roads, leading to skidding. When the car is moving at high speed, pressing both the brake and the clutch simultaneously will disconnect the engine's resistance, causing the car to accelerate suddenly. This requires applying more force on the brake to control the speed.