How to Control the Brake and Clutch at Traffic Lights?
3 Answers
There are two scenarios when encountering traffic lights: stopping and braking. The details are as follows: 1. Stopping: When encountering a red light, if there are no vehicles ahead, first brake to decelerate, then fully depress the clutch, and coordinate the brake with a rhythm of varying pressure. Stop when the front of the car slowly glides to just cover the white line on the ground ahead. 2. Direct Right Turn: If there are vehicles ahead, since there is a blind spot of about three to four meters, it is better to stop when the front of the car aligns with the rear wheel of the vehicle in front. If there are more than 10 seconds left, the next steps are to shift to neutral, engage the handbrake, and wait. For right-turning vehicles, you can turn right directly at a red light, but remember to activate the right turn signal in advance. 3. Starting: Beginners may be slower in their actions, so generally, when there are about 7 seconds left, start by shifting into first gear, then release the handbrake. If turning, activate the left turn signal. When there are about 3 seconds left, slowly lift the clutch while applying the throttle, then quickly shift to second gear to get the car moving smoothly. Then, shift up as needed to avoid obstructing the traffic behind.
When waiting at traffic lights, as a novice driver, I feel the key point is to prevent the car from rolling or stalling. When I first started driving, I always used to keep my foot on the brake and clutch without releasing, so the car would stay firmly stopped, the engine wouldn't stall, and I avoided the embarrassment of stalling when starting. But later, my instructor taught me that if the waiting time is short, like within 10 seconds, just keep the clutch depressed; if it's longer, like over 30 seconds, it's better to shift into neutral and release the clutch pedal while only pressing the brake, which reduces wear on the clutch plate and prevents foot fatigue. I tried releasing the clutch a few times while waiting for the light, but the car rolled slightly forward, and the car behind honked, scaring me into correcting my habit immediately. Now, I adjust based on how long the light will take—if it's about to turn green, I lightly press the clutch to prepare for shifting gears, ensuring safety first. This helped me overcome my initial nervousness. Developing this control method while waiting at city traffic lights also avoids unnecessary jerking, improving driving comfort.
As a seasoned manual transmission driver with over a decade of experience, I prioritize efficiency and fuel economy when waiting at traffic lights. Typically, once the car comes to a complete stop, I immediately shift into neutral, release the clutch pedal, and use only my right foot to press the brake pedal to keep the vehicle stationary. This approach prevents unnecessary stress on the clutch system, extending its lifespan, while also reducing engine load and fuel consumption, saving me a considerable amount annually. If I anticipate the light turning green soon, I'll lightly press the clutch in advance to prepare for shifting into first gear, avoiding delays for traffic behind me. Reflecting on my early days, I recall how continuously depressing the clutch led to premature wear of the pressure plate, costing me unnecessary repair expenses. Now, this habit has become second nature, and my legs don't tire as easily. In scenarios like waiting at red lights during traffic jams, swiftly switching control methods makes the entire driving experience smoother and safer.
