How to Properly Control the Clutch in Subject Two?
3 Answers
To properly control the clutch in Subject Two, follow the principle of 'fast, slow, and coordinated operation.' When starting, press the clutch pedal all the way down to fully disengage the clutch. Once you feel the clutch pressure plate gradually engaging to the semi-linked state, slow down the speed of lifting the pedal. As you slowly release the clutch pedal, gradually press the accelerator pedal according to the engine's power to ensure a smooth start. The correct way to press the clutch: Use the ball of your foot to press the clutch pedal, keeping your heel on the ground. When the clutch is fully depressed, your knee should remain slightly bent.
When I was practicing for Subject 2, my instructor always said operating the clutch was like walking on eggs—neither too lightly nor too heavily. The heel must stay firmly on the car floor, with the ball of the foot gently resting on the clutch pedal, and the lifting or pressing range shouldn’t exceed the thickness of a coin. For hill starts, first release the clutch until the car body slightly vibrates, like the feeling of a phone vibrating, then immediately switch the right foot from the brake to the accelerator to add power. The biggest fear during reverse parking is stalling—the trick is to keep the left foot making slight up-and-down micro-adjustments, like operating a sewing machine. I specifically brought a pair of soft-soled cloth shoes on weekends, as thick-soled sneakers made it impossible to feel the clutch feedback. After each practice session, my left leg would ache as if I’d climbed a mountain, but after two weeks of continuous practice, the muscles memorized the required force. During right-angle turns, never lift the clutch too quickly—losing control of the speed will definitely cause you to cross the line.
Our driving school instructors teach clutch control in a very practical way: Forget about other exercises first, place a water bottle upright on the dashboard when driving straight, and you only pass when the bottle doesn't fall at all. Finding the friction point requires using both ears and eyes - when you hear the engine sound deepen, then look for the tachometer needle trembling slightly downward to find the optimal position. Wearing thin-soled canvas shoes is a hundred times better than sneakers, as the vibrations from the car floor transmit directly to your soles. Hill starts are most likely to cause panic; remember to hold the clutch steady for three seconds after feeling the car shake before releasing the brake - this trick prevents 90% of stalls. Some students don't even notice their shoelaces coming loose; one almost had an accident when shoelaces got tangled in the pedal gap while clutching. Keep stalling during reverse parking? Stick a reminder on your seatback: 'Lift the clutch like pulling silk!'
