How to Operate the Clutch, Brake, and Accelerator?

[MacTeagan]

The coordination of clutch, brake, and accelerator operation is as follows: 1. When the vehicle is driving at high speed, brake with the gear engaged. Since the engine provides sufficient braking power, the speed will drop rapidly. If the clutch is pressed, it is equivalent to the vehicle being in neutral, which reduces braking efficiency and increases braking distance. This method is incorrect and should be firmly corrected. 2. The order of clutch and brake should be determined by the speed. If the speed is high, brake first; if the speed is low, press the clutch first. If the speed is relatively fast, light braking is sufficient. If the speed is relatively slow, press the clutch first, then the brake, otherwise the engine will stall. 3. If there is a situation ahead that requires deceleration, first release the accelerator to let the speed drop. If the speed is still too fast, lightly press the brake without pressing the clutch to let the speed drop further. If this still doesn't work and the obstacle is getting closer, and the speed is already very low, to the point where the car is almost shaking, press the clutch and shift to a lower gear corresponding to the speed. If stopping is necessary, press the brake first, then the clutch, and shift to neutral.

[StSophie]

When driving, I place my left foot on the clutch and my right foot alternates between the brake and accelerator. To start, I fully depress the clutch with my left foot and gently press the brake with my right foot to prevent rolling back. Then, I shift into first gear, slowly release the clutch while lightly pressing the accelerator to give some gas—finding that engagement point gets the car moving. Shifting gears follows the same principle: press the clutch, shift, and then slowly release it while coordinating with the accelerator. Before braking to slow down, ease off the accelerator to let the car decelerate gradually, avoiding stalling by mistakenly pressing the clutch during sudden braking. Hill starts require extra attention to the coordination between the clutch and brake—practice makes perfect, reducing clutch wear and saving fuel. The key is more practice. As I teach others to drive, I emphasize smooth operation, avoiding panic on slopes or in traffic, and maintaining a safe distance in daily driving.

[StFelix]

When I first learned to drive, operating the clutch was really a challenge! My left foot on the clutch, right foot managing the brake and accelerator, I'd always hesitate about what to do before shifting gears or starting off. Now that I'm used to it: in city traffic jams, I gently release the clutch with my left foot while coordinating with the right foot on the accelerator to control speed. When I need to slow down or stop, I switch my right foot to the brake and press lightly, avoiding sudden braking to prevent things from flying around. When the rear wheels skid after rain, it's even more important to gently brake while coordinating with the clutch. I often remind myself to release the clutch slowly to protect the engine and avoid prolonged half-clutch operation when warming up the car. Actually, once you get the coordination right, driving becomes comfortable and safe. New drivers should practice more, starting with empty car exercises to get the hang of giving the right amount of gas and braking smoothly, reducing the frustration of stalling.

[DelMaria]

Having driven for decades, my basic principles for operating the clutch, brake, and accelerator are steadiness and reliability: Before starting, firmly press the clutch with your left foot to shift gears, then slowly release while gently applying the accelerator with your right foot; shifting gears should be done similarly without haste; when braking to decelerate, gradually apply force with your right foot, first easing off the accelerator before progressively pressing the brake to stop, avoiding sudden jerks that shake the car and passengers; control acceleration gently with the accelerator, preventing the engine from roaring. Always remember safety first—don’t randomly press the clutch to protect the gears; avoid coasting in neutral downhill—using engine braking is safer, an old habit like mine that saves fuel and ensures peace of mind.