Press the Clutch First or Shift Gears First?

[JaxsonLee]

Release the accelerator first, then press the clutch. After fully depressing the clutch and engaging the gear, press the accelerator to start. Additional Information: Precautions for Clutch Usage: Cleaning the Clutch: The clutch must be thoroughly cleaned before installation to remove anti-rust grease and debris. Coaxial Installation: The clutch can be installed coaxially or on separate shafts. Axial fixation is mandatory, and neither the driving nor the driven parts should have axial play. For separate shaft installation, the coaxiality between the driving and driven shafts should not exceed 0.1mm. Adding Lubricating Oil: For wet electromagnetic clutches, lubricating oil must be added between the friction plates during operation. Lubrication methods include splash lubrication, oil bath lubrication, and central shaft oil supply lubrication. For high-speed and high-frequency operations, the central shaft oil supply method is recommended.

[OJude]

I've been driving manual transmission cars for over twenty years, and every time I shift gears, I instinctively press the clutch first—it's muscle memory from when I first learned to drive. Not doing this poses significant risks, such as gear grinding if you shift directly, which produces a grating noise, damages the transmission, and leads to costly and annoying repairs. In city traffic with frequent gear changes, I’ve developed the habit of lightly pressing the clutch before selecting a gear to reduce jerking and ensure smoother starts. The clutch’s role is to disconnect power transmission, making gear shifts smoother, saving fuel, and protecting the car. I remember once rushing and making a mistake—the car lurched forward suddenly, startling pedestrians. Since then, I’ve never dared to skip the step. Developing this habit isn’t just about safety; it also extends the clutch’s lifespan and makes driving more enjoyable.

[StKayden]

As a manual transmission novice who got my driver's license last year, I deeply learned that the clutch must be pressed before shifting gears, otherwise the gear won't engage and the car will stall. When I first started learning, I often confused the sequence until my coach harshly corrected me several times. After practicing repeatedly at traffic lights, my foot now habitually presses the clutch before moving to neutral or a new gear, making the operation smooth and avoiding passenger nausea or car jerking. Wrong sequences cause jerky movements or even stalling, leading to embarrassing situations. Now every time I drive, I remind myself to press first then shift, making daily driving more confident. Fully depressing the clutch before acting is key - beginners should practice this action chain repeatedly through simulation.

[DeDiana]

When teaching students at the driving school, I always emphasize the gear shifting sequence: first press the clutch, then shift gears to disconnect the power and prevent gear clashes. Failure to follow this can lead to grinding sounds, mechanical damage, and a sharp increase in transmission maintenance costs. In practice, press the clutch pedal fully with your left foot, move the gear lever with your right hand, then release the clutch smoothly to start. Developing this habit makes driving safer. Regularly check clutch wear, as proper operation extends its lifespan and prevents sudden breakdowns on the road.