Is it necessary to press the clutch before braking?
2 Answers
It is not always necessary to press the clutch before braking. Whether to press the clutch or the brake first depends on different situations: 1. When the vehicle is moving at a high speed, you should press the brake first and then the clutch; 2. When the vehicle is moving at a low speed, you can directly press the clutch and then the brake; 3. For slight deceleration, simply release the accelerator pedal without pressing the clutch or brake. The function of braking is to reduce the vehicle speed, and the precautions for its use include: 1. Brake gently when following another vehicle; 2. Use emergency braking cautiously in rainy conditions; 3. Avoid emergency braking on slopes and curves. The functions of the clutch include: 1. Gradually increasing the driving force to ensure a smooth start; 2. Temporarily separating the engine and gearbox for gear shifting; 3. Preventing overload of the transmission system; 4. Reducing torsional vibration impact from the engine to prolong the life of transmission gears.
As a veteran driver with decades of experience in manual transmission cars, I fully understand the confusion beginners may have. Actually, when braking, you don't necessarily need to press the clutch first. In daily driving, such as slowing down before traffic lights, I often brake first to reduce speed, then gently press the clutch just before coming to a complete stop to avoid stalling. However, in emergencies, like when an obstacle suddenly appears ahead, I firmly press the brake without touching the clutch, utilizing the engine's resistance to stop the car faster. I recall a close call on a mountain downhill when I almost rear-ended another car because of my old habit of pressing the clutch first, causing the car to lose control and slide faster. Thinking back, it was really dangerous. So, the key is to respond flexibly based on the situation, prioritizing safe driving over sticking to a fixed sequence.
