Is It Necessary to Press the Brake When Shifting Gears Manually?
3 Answers
When shifting gears, it is not necessary to press the brake. Instead, you need to press the clutch pedal. Below is an introduction to manual gear shifting operations: Pull-Up Type: This method is commonly used in American car models. To shift into reverse gear in such manual transmission cars, you need to pull up the ring under the gear knob before shifting into reverse. Direct Shift Type: This method is also commonly used in American car models. The reverse lock in this type is located inside the transmission, usually a spring with relatively high tension. When shifting into reverse, you need to overcome relatively high resistance, and the driver will feel a noticeable feedback. Press-Down Type: Most manual transmission models under the Volkswagen brand use this method. To shift into reverse gear, you need to press the gear lever down firmly and then move it to the reverse position.
Shifting gears doesn't necessarily require stepping on the brake, but it depends on the situation. I think when shifting gears while driving, such as from third gear to fourth gear, you only need to press the clutch to operate, and the brake doesn't need to be touched at all. This way, the car can maintain power, and the operation is smooth. Only in specific situations is it necessary to step on the brake, such as when the car is stationary, like waiting at a red light or parked on a slope. In these cases, I would press both the brake and the clutch to prevent the car from sliding or rolling away, then shift to neutral or the starting gear. The same goes for starting; you must first step on the brake to hold the position, then slowly release the clutch to prevent the car from rolling backward or jerking forward. Overall, the brake is mainly used for slowing down and stopping, while shifting gears relies more on the clutch to control the engine's power transfer. In daily driving, I'm accustomed to using the brake only for parking-related operations when shifting gears. At other times, handling them separately is safer and more efficient, saving effort and protecting the vehicle's transmission.
As someone who frequently drives a manual transmission, I never use the brakes when shifting gears unless the car comes to a complete stop. While driving on the road, simply pressing the clutch to disconnect the engine allows for smooth gear shifts to the desired speed. Brakes are meant for controlling speed or emergency stops, such as slowing down before a turn or encountering an obstacle. However, shifting gears directly while driving doesn't require braking; doing so unnecessarily can cause jerks or vehicle vibrations, affecting the driving experience. When stopping, extra caution is needed—for example, on uphill roads or slopes, failing to use the brakes to secure the car could lead to unintended rolling, so I always press the brake before operating the clutch to shift gears. Additionally, beginners might mistakenly press the brake while shifting, which is redundant; practicing rev-matching can help avoid this. Remember, simpler operations are more reliable.
