Should I Shift to First Gear When Pulling Over?
2 Answers
Pulling over requires shifting to first gear. When pulling over, fully depress the clutch pedal and use the brake to control the vehicle speed. After coming to a complete stop, shift the gear into neutral. Procedure for pulling over: Before stopping, observe the traffic behind and to the right through the interior and exterior rearview mirrors, and turn on the right turn signal. Apply the brake pedal appropriately. Precautions when stopping: You should reduce speed and pull over slowly. During the process, you can depress the clutch pedal until properly aligned with the curb. If adjustments are needed, shift into first gear again. First, gently apply the brakes to gradually reduce speed, then depress the clutch and shift into neutral. Finally, brake completely to stop at the desired location.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience driving manual transmission cars, I've found that downshifting to first or lower gears when pulling over is indeed essential, especially in congested urban areas. If you come to a stop directly in a higher gear, the engine is prone to stalling, and the vehicle may roll, potentially causing a rear-end collision, which can be quite dangerous. My habit is to shift into second gear when the speed drops to 20-30 km/h, then gradually slow down to first gear, and only shift to neutral and engage the handbrake after the car has come to a complete stop. This method ensures a smooth and safe operation. In fact, not downshifting can lead to accelerated clutch wear over time, which can be costly to repair. More importantly, from a safety perspective, developing the habit of downshifting helps prevent sudden accidents, particularly on slippery roads during rain or snow, as lower gears provide better traction, ensuring the safety of both the driver and pedestrians. I recommend that beginners cultivate this good habit from the start.
