Is pressing the clutch and releasing the throttle simultaneous when shifting gears in a manual transmission?
2 Answers
Pressing the clutch and releasing the throttle when shifting gears in a manual transmission are not simultaneous operations. Starting: Press the clutch pedal with your left foot, press the brake with your right foot, engage first gear, release the handbrake, then slowly lift the clutch with your left foot. When the car begins to vibrate slightly, move your right foot to the throttle pedal and gently apply some gas while continuing to release the clutch. Once the car starts smoothly, fully release the clutch with your left foot and prepare to shift gears by applying more throttle. Upshifting: Release the throttle pedal and quickly press the clutch pedal with your left foot. Shift the gear lever to the appropriate gear, release the clutch pedal, and as you release the clutch, slowly press the throttle with your right foot. Downshifting: First, lightly press the brake to slow down, then gently press the throttle with your right foot and lift it. Quickly press the clutch pedal with your left foot. Shift the gear lever to the appropriate gear, release the clutch pedal, and as you release the clutch, slowly press the throttle with your right foot.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over twenty years and have found that pressing the clutch and releasing the throttle during gear shifts aren't perfectly simultaneous actions. Typically, the first step is to slightly ease off the throttle to let the engine RPM drop a bit, ensuring the current vehicle speed matches the engine speed. This reduces load before quickly depressing the clutch pedal to disconnect power transmission, followed by shifting gears, and finally gradually releasing the clutch while gently pressing the throttle to restore power. This process should be fluid but not synchronous—doing both simultaneously often causes jerking or stalling. I made this mistake when first learning to drive, especially on uphill slopes where mistimed actions would cause severe vehicle shuddering or even rolling back. With enough practice, it becomes muscle memory, resulting in smoother operation that also protects the clutch from excessive wear, extending the car's lifespan. Developing this habit allows for calm and efficient gear changes even during peak urban traffic with frequent shifting demands.
