Release the Clutch or Brake First?
2 Answers
Braking and deceleration require coordination between the clutch and foot brake. The best practice for braking and deceleration is to press the brake first, and when the speed reaches a certain level, then press the clutch to shift gears. Alternatively, by utilizing engine braking, you can also press the brake first, and when the speed reaches a certain level, press the clutch to assist in deceleration without shifting gears. Here are some additional details: 1. Regardless of how you decelerate, always press the brake first. When the clutch is pressed, the clutch separates from the transmission shaft, putting the car in a neutral state. In this situation, pressing the brake again may cause the car to skid. Drivers with less experience may struggle to maintain vehicle stability. Therefore, when not stopping or shifting gears, there is no need to press the clutch. When decelerating, press the brake first. If the speed drops significantly, you can choose to press the clutch and shift gears. 2. Frequently pressing the clutch can damage the car. However, one important thing to note is that when the speed and gear do not match, it can easily cause the engine to stall. When decelerating by pressing the brake, always pay attention to the timing of pressing the clutch or consider skipping gears to shift to a lower speed.
I remember when I first started learning to drive, the instructor always emphasized that the starting sequence must not be messed up: On flat roads, you must first release the clutch to the semi-engagement point, feel the car slightly vibrate, and then slowly release the brake. If you do it the other way around by releasing the brake first, especially on slopes, the car is prone to rolling back or stalling—I often made this mistake as a beginner. The instructor told me to practice more to find that semi-engagement feeling, listen for changes in the engine sound, and lightly press the accelerator to assist in starting. Safety is the most critical; improper operation could lead to a rear-end collision. Driving a manual transmission is all about honing patience. Now I’ve gotten much quicker at it—just remember to coordinate the movements, and there’s no problem, especially when waiting at traffic lights; don’t panic.
