Is it okay to press the brake when shifting gears in a manual transmission?
4 Answers
Here is the relevant introduction about the use of the clutch when shifting gears in a car: 1. You do not need to press the brake when shifting gears, but you do need to press the clutch pedal. 2. Manual transmission cars have a clutch pedal, which must be used every time you shift gears or start the car. 3. The clutch is an important component of the transmission system, located between the engine and the gearbox. 4. When the clutch pedal is pressed, the clutch disengages, and when the pedal is released, the clutch engages. 5. When shifting gears, there is no need to press the brake pedal. If the clutch pedal is not fully pressed down when shifting, the gear change will not be smooth. 6. When starting the car, the speed difference between the engine flywheel and the clutch disc is too large. If the clutch is fully engaged at this moment, it will cause the engine to stall.
I've been driving a manual transmission off-road vehicle for over a decade, so this question is very practical. You don't need to press the brake when shifting gears while driving—just fully depress the clutch. However, when starting or stopping, you need to press both the clutch and the brake simultaneously to prevent the vehicle from rolling forward or backward. The reverse gear is a bit special—manufacturers design it to require pressing the brake to engage, which is a safety feature. This is most noticeable when starting on a slope—if you don't press the brake, the car will roll back the moment you release the clutch. Suddenly pressing the brake to shift gears at high speeds is actually dangerous, as it can cause transmission shock. Develop good habits: only press the clutch when shifting gears, and use the brake only for slowing down or stopping.
As a driving instructor, I often get asked this question. Shifting gears in a manual transmission car only requires pressing the clutch, and stepping on the brake is unnecessary. However, there are two exceptions: first, when shifting gears while the vehicle is stationary, such as starting at a red light, you need to press the brake to prevent rolling; second, when reversing into a parking space, pressing the brake makes it easier to control low speeds. In my teaching, I emphasize: never use the brake while shifting gears during driving, as it will disrupt the rhythm of coordinating the throttle and clutch. Additionally, always ensure the clutch is fully depressed, otherwise it may cause difficulty in shifting and gear grinding noises.
Manual transmission car owners share real experiences: Never press the brake during daily gear shifts. Five years of driving experience shows that pressing the clutch to shift gears is like pressing function keys on a computer keyboard—completely independent of the brake system. However, when stopping at traffic lights, you must press both the clutch and brake simultaneously; otherwise, the car will move. When reversing, I prefer to press the brake while shifting into reverse gear for a more stable start. Important reminder: Pressing the brake while shifting gears during driving can cause lugging, which wastes fuel and damages the engine—there’s really no need for this extra step.
