How to Depress the Clutch When Turning?

[Freddie]

Driving through a turn requires judgment based on the situation. In congested areas, use first or second gear and you can depress the clutch to utilize the car's idle speed for turning. Below are precautions for turning while driving: 1. Precautions one: Control the speed according to the size of the curve, and try to slow down when turning to avoid phenomena such as loss of control or skidding. 2. Precautions two: When turning, the steering wheel operation should match the road curvature and coordinate with the car's speed, ensuring appropriate steering angle and timing. Return the steering wheel promptly, and never let go of the steering wheel with both hands to prevent dangerous deviations in direction.

[IvanDella]

Having driven manual transmission cars for over twenty years, I've found that using the clutch when turning requires skill. Before entering a turn, you should slow down and downshift, for example from fourth to second gear. After pressing the clutch to shift, release it immediately—never enter a turn with the clutch engaged. During the turn, keep the clutch pedal fully released and control your speed with the throttle to maintain steady power output. Especially when turning in the rain, pressing the clutch can easily cause the car to skid. Avoid touching the clutch while steering to ensure precise handling. Only accelerate as the car is about to exit the turn. I've seen many beginners stall in turns because they pressed the clutch, so don’t panic and focus on safe cornering.

[AugustRose]

When I first started learning to drive, the instructor emphasized not to randomly press the clutch when turning. As you approach a curve, avoid slamming on the brakes—just ease off the throttle to slow down. When the speed drops to 20-30 km/h, press the clutch and shift into second gear, then release the clutch before steering into the turn. Throughout the process, the clutch should be fully released, and your right foot should lightly press the accelerator to maintain a stable speed through the turn. If you suddenly press the clutch mid-turn, the car loses power, which is particularly dangerous. I usually drive like this on mountain roads, so even with many curves, I'm not afraid. Remember to upshift only after the turn is completed and the car is straight. When practicing initially, try to find open roads to get a feel for it.

[VanChristopher]

Shifting gears in a manual transmission while turning is actually quite simple. First, release the throttle in advance to slow down, then press the clutch and shift to second gear as the speed decreases. While lifting the clutch, turn the steering wheel. Keep your foot off the clutch during the turn and adjust the speed using the throttle. Avoid pressing the clutch mid-turn, as this can cause the car to jerk or even stall. Once the turn is nearly complete and you're straightening out, press the throttle and shift gears as needed. Remember to stay relaxed during the turn and avoid fixating on the clutch pedal.

[McColeman]

The key to turning with a manual transmission is to avoid interrupting power. After slowing down in advance, press the clutch to downshift, and release the clutch pedal before entering the turn. This ensures the engine power is transmitted to the wheels, making the steering feel light and responsive. Pressing the clutch mid-turn will cut power to the drive wheels, affecting steering, which is especially dangerous on sharp bends. I prefer to lightly adjust the throttle with my right foot during turns, which is much more stable than braking. Once two-thirds of the turn is completed and the straight path is visible, prepare to upshift.

[LaKing]

Driving a manual transmission in the city means encountering turns every day. For example, when making a right turn, I operate as follows: release the throttle 50 meters before the intersection, let the speed drop, press the clutch and shift to second gear, then release the clutch and steer into the turn. Throughout the turn, I don’t touch the clutch, maintaining around 20 km/h with the throttle while keeping my eyes on the exit of the turn. If I accidentally press the clutch, the car will go into a coasting state, making the steering heavy and unresponsive. After completing the turn and straightening the car, I accelerate while shifting to third gear. With a few tries, you’ll get the hang of it—the key is to remember that fully releasing the clutch during the turn is the safest approach.