Is it necessary to depress the clutch when shifting gears?

[Susan]

It is essential to depress the clutch when shifting gears. The functions of the clutch are: 1. Gradually increase the driving force of the vehicle to ensure a smooth start; 2. Temporarily separate the engine and transmission for gear shifting; 3. Prevent overload in the transmission system; 4. Reduce torsional vibration impact from the engine and prolong the service life of transmission gears. The working process of the clutch is: 1. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the push rod moves the master cylinder piston to increase oil pressure; 2. The oil flows through the hose into the slave cylinder, forcing the slave cylinder rod to push the release fork and move the release bearing forward; 3. When the clutch pedal is released, the hydraulic pressure is relieved; 4. The release fork gradually returns to its original position under the action of the return spring, and the clutch is re-engaged.

[Reagan]

I remember when I was first learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized that you must press the clutch when shifting gears, or else the car would teach you a lesson. I once tried shifting without pressing it, and the gears made a loud crunching sound, scaring me into slamming on the brakes. From then on, I never dared to skip it again. The clutch's role is to disconnect the engine from the transmission, preventing them from 'fighting.' Shifting directly can force the gears to mesh abruptly, leading to gear grinding or part damage. For manual transmission cars, developing this habit is crucial, especially for beginners—don’t cut corners by skipping it. Check if the clutch pedal travel is normal, and regular maintenance can extend its lifespan, avoiding breakdowns mid-drive. In short, safe driving starts with every detail, and pressing the clutch is a fundamental step.

[Elsa]

Having driven a manual transmission car for over a decade, I've learned one thing for sure – you must press the clutch when shifting gears. Some claim you can skip it at low speeds or under certain conditions, and I tried that when I was younger too. The result? Transmission issues and repair bills running into thousands. Safety should always come first. Shifting without the clutch can cause gear slippage or accelerated wear, especially on slopes where the car might stall or lose control. Now, during my daily commute with frequent gear changes at traffic lights, I religiously press the clutch every time – it actually makes driving smoother and less stressful. My advice? Skip the flashy tricks and focus on proper car care instead.

[ElizabethFitz]

As someone who frequently works on cars, I must emphasize that you must press the clutch when shifting gears. The clutch is used to disconnect power transmission. Shifting without pressing it will force the gears to mesh, leading to gear grinding, wear on the synchronizer, or even transmission damage. I've repaired too many cars broken due to this issue, and the repairs are both troublesome and costly. Developing the habit of pressing the clutch every time can reduce the chance of failure. Checking the clutch fluid level is also simple, and detecting abnormalities early can avoid major repairs.