Is it okay to brake directly in first gear without pressing the clutch?
2 Answers
It is not advisable to brake directly in first gear without pressing the clutch. Not pressing the clutch means the engine's power remains connected to the transmission system, and braking in this state will cause the transmission system to generate resistance, leading to engine stalling. Below are the relevant details: If you are driving at high speed and only need to brake briefly to reduce speed, you can lightly apply the brake without pressing the clutch. If you are driving at a relatively high speed and need to brake over a longer distance, such as when approaching a red light, you can first apply the brake and then press the clutch when the speed drops to a lower level before coming to a complete stop. If the speed is still relatively high while braking, you don’t need to press the clutch. However, if the speed drops to a point where lugging occurs, you should press the clutch and shift to a lower gear or stop, otherwise the vehicle may stall. During vehicle movement, the engine provides deceleration. Pressing the clutch is equivalent to shifting to neutral, so when the speed matches the gear, avoid pressing the clutch unnecessarily to prevent increased brake wear and ensure safety.
After driving for so many years, especially manual transmission cars, I can tell you that braking in first gear without pressing the clutch is a bad idea. This operation causes the car to shake violently and then stall. I once tried it at an intersection, and the engine made a loud 'pop' sound before stopping, with cars behind me honking non-stop—it was extremely embarrassing. In reality, when the engine RPM is low, braking without clutch support causes gear misalignment. At best, the engine just stalls and needs a restart; at worst, it damages the clutch plate, leading to expensive transmission repairs. The correct approach is to press the clutch before braking, ensuring smooth deceleration without harming the car. During routine maintenance, mechanics also remind drivers to avoid this bad habit, especially in congested urban areas where repeatedly braking without the clutch accelerates wear and tear. I recommend that beginners practice their driving feel more and develop the habit of coordinated operations to avoid breaking down midway and affecting travel safety.
