How to Properly Depress the Clutch?
2 Answers
Correct methods for depressing the clutch are as follows: 1. First, after getting into the car, adjust your driving posture. A proper driving posture is crucial for driving. Sit in the driver's seat, ensuring your wrists can bend and move freely; your legs should have enough space to move, allowing you to depress the clutch pedal, brake pedal, or accelerator without strain, and your body should not need to lean forward. 2. The correct way to depress the clutch is to use the ball of your left foot with your heel as the pivot point. First, depress the clutch pedal fully, then engage the corresponding gear while lightly pressing the accelerator. Simultaneously, quickly lift the clutch to the semi-engaged position. Once you feel the clutch engage smoothly, you can fully release it.
When I first learned to drive, operating the clutch was a real challenge. My instructor always said I was either too abrupt or too slow. Looking back now, the correct method is to press the clutch all the way down to shift gears when starting, then find the biting point—when you feel the car slightly tremble or the tachometer drops slightly, slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator to maintain balance and avoid stalling. Starting on a slope is even more demanding. I’m used to using the handbrake, first finding the biting point before releasing the brake and adding throttle, otherwise the car might roll back. With enough practice, it becomes muscle memory; I also press the clutch all the way down before stopping and shifting to avoid gear wear. This technique requires repeated practice, especially in city areas with dense traffic lights. Practice makes perfect, making driving smoother and safer—driving a manual car is a bit of an art.
