Should the Clutch and Brake Only Be Released in Neutral Gear?
2 Answers
No, when parking, you should first engage the handbrake, then shift to neutral, and finally release the clutch. Function of the Clutch: The role of the clutch pedal switch is to ensure smooth vehicle starting, achieve seamless gear shifting, and prevent overload in the transmission system. The clutch pedal switch is a normally closed switch. When the clutch is depressed, the switch opens, and the engine control unit receives no signal from the clutch, indicating the need to disconnect the engine linkage. Consequently, it reduces the ignition advance angle and decreases fuel injection to reserve power. Working Principle of the Clutch: The clutch's driving and driven parts transmit torque through friction between contact surfaces, using liquid as a transmission medium (hydraulic coupling), or magnetic transmission (electromagnetic clutch). This allows temporary separation and gradual engagement between the two parts, permitting mutual rotation during the transmission process.
When driving a manual transmission car, it is not necessary to shift into neutral to release the clutch and brake. When stopping, you can press the brake, shift directly into neutral, and then release the clutch, so your right foot doesn't have to keep pressing the clutch, making it less tiring. If you don't shift into neutral but press the clutch, you can also release the brake, but the engine is still connected to the wheels. If the road slope is steep, the car may roll or stall. Therefore, as a habit, when temporarily stopping, such as at a red light, shifting into neutral and releasing the clutch and brake is safer to avoid foot fatigue from prolonged pressing. Remember to use the handbrake to help secure the car. For automatic transmission cars, it's simpler—just shift directly into P (Park) when stopping. These small details can make daily driving much easier, and you'll understand once you try it.
