How to Coordinate the Clutch and Brake When Turning in Subject Three?
3 Answers
First, you need to boost your own confidence by telling yourself that as long as you follow traffic rules and drive safely, you can handle this drive well. Fasten your seatbelt, release the handbrake, and then start the car slowly.
When I was taking my driver's license test, I always struggled with cornering coordination. The instructor's trick was to anticipate early: start slowing down about 30 meters before the curve, gently press the brake with your right foot to reduce speed below 20 km/h, then press the clutch all the way down with your left foot and shift to second gear. The most crucial part when entering the curve is the half-engaged clutch state—when you can feel the car slightly vibrating—with your right foot resting on the brake for fine adjustments. Don't rush to accelerate when exiting the curve; straighten the steering wheel first, then gradually release the clutch until it's fully engaged before smoothly applying throttle. During practice, I found that for curves sharper than 90 degrees, downshifting to first gear in advance is safer—the lower the speed, the less likely you are to cross the line. Remember, never keep the clutch fully depressed while cornering—it's essentially the same as coasting in neutral, which is extremely dangerous.
The coordination of clutch and brake during turns emphasizes the word "steady." I've summarized it into three steps: When decelerating, first apply the brake to reduce speed, then press the clutch, and shift gears decisively; during the entry phase of the turn, use the clutch's semi-engagement to control power, keep the brake ready for light taps, and coordinate the steering wheel movement with footwork; when accelerating out of the turn, gently release the clutch and gradually apply throttle. Pay special attention to maintaining a bit of throttle during uphill turns to prevent rolling back. The most common mistake on flat turns is braking too abruptly, leading to stalling. Always leave a safe distance when practicing. During exams, if entering a turn too fast, it's better to press the clutch and shift to first gear—going slower is preferable to crossing the line. Develop the habit of checking mirrors during turns, keep your body relaxed, and operations will be smoother.
