Press the Accelerator First or Shift Gears First?
2 Answers
Press the accelerator first before shifting gears. Gear shifting is the abbreviation for "gear lever operation method," referring to the driver's psychological and physiological movements to continuously adjust the gear lever position based on road conditions and vehicle speed changes. Below is relevant knowledge about gear shifting: 1. Manual transmission gear shifting: For manual transmission vehicles, the clutch's importance cannot be overlooked for smooth driving. Except when starting, shifting gears, or braking at low speeds, avoid unnecessarily pressing the clutch pedal or resting your foot on it. 2. Automatic transmission gear shifting: Automatic transmission gear shifting is controlled by a computer, making operation simple.
When you first started driving a manual transmission, this question reminds me of my own beginner days. Many people tend to shift gears too quickly and then step on the accelerator, resulting in sudden jerks or near stalling, causing a flurry of panic. The correct sequence is to first press the clutch pedal—the one under your left foot—to disconnect the engine from the wheels, then smoothly shift to the desired gear, followed by gradually releasing the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator with your right foot to add power. It sounds simple, but it takes practice, especially when starting at traffic lights or on uphill slopes. Messing up the sequence can cause the car to lurch forward or backward, which is unsafe. I recommend finding an open area to repeatedly practice the coordination between the clutch and accelerator—for example, paying attention to the tachometer when shifting gears to ensure the best match between 2000-3000 RPM, reducing engine stress. Remember, safety first. Don’t let bad habits damage the transmission, saving on long-term repair costs.
