Must the Clutch Be Depressed When Braking in a Manual Transmission Car?
3 Answers
When braking in a manual transmission car, there are situations where the clutch needs to be depressed and others where it does not, as this is not a fixed procedure. The primary purpose of depressing the clutch while braking is to prevent stalling. Below are some considerations regarding clutch usage in manual transmission cars: 1. There is no need to depress the clutch when the speed has not reached the critical point. During turns, depressing the clutch can sometimes make the car more prone to tipping over, as it causes a sudden loss of tire grip. 2. The car will not stall if the speed is above 20 km/h in third gear, above 25 km/h in fourth gear, and above 35 km/h in fifth gear. This means that when braking during driving, each gear must maintain a speed above its minimum threshold; otherwise, the clutch must be depressed to prevent stalling. 3. When the speed is suitable for shifting to a higher gear, immediately release the accelerator pedal, depress the clutch pedal, and move the gear lever to the neutral position; then quickly release the clutch pedal and immediately depress it again while shifting the gear lever to the higher gear. Subsequently, gradually release the clutch pedal while slowly depressing the accelerator pedal to ensure the car continues to drive smoothly.
Whether to press the clutch when driving a manual transmission car actually depends on the situation. In daily driving, when encountering a red light or slowing down gradually, I release the accelerator early and apply some brake, then press the clutch only when the speed drops to around 20 km/h. This way, the engine helps with deceleration and saves brake pads. However, in sudden emergency situations, like when the car ahead brakes abruptly, I press the brake pedal fully without touching the clutch. After all, in critical moments, even a tiny extra braking distance could lead to an accident—safety always comes first. But never press the clutch and brake randomly at high speeds, as this will lose engine braking and actually increase stopping distance. Remember, coordination is crucial in emergencies: press the brake firmly with your right foot while keeping your left foot steady on the dead pedal to avoid accidental pressing.
Having driven manual transmission for fifteen years, I've learned that braking and clutch operation must be coordinated with vehicle speed. When crawling at low speeds, I habitually press the clutch with every brake application - especially in first or second gear, otherwise the car will inevitably shudder and stall. At speeds of 40-50 km/h, don't rush to touch the clutch; let the braking force slow the car first, then depress the clutch around 1000 RPM when you feel the engine begin to shudder before shifting to neutral. The most dangerous scenario is simultaneously pressing clutch and brake during steep descents - this forces the brake pads to bear all the load, risking brake fade from overheating. I recommend beginners practice braking at various speeds in empty areas to identify that critical stalling point - it's crucial.
