Should the Clutch Be Depressed During Temporary Parking?
2 Answers
Temporary parking requires depressing the clutch. The correct procedure is to first release the accelerator, apply the brakes, then depress the clutch at the moment the vehicle is about to stop, downshift, and engage the handbrake. When decelerating during normal driving, if releasing the accelerator doesn't achieve the desired speed reduction, brake application is required to adjust speed without clutch operation. However, standard practice dictates keeping the left foot on the clutch pedal ready for engagement. The clutch serves as a fundamental component in mechanical transmission systems, enabling instantaneous connection or disengagement of the power train. Essential performance requirements include: smooth engagement, rapid and complete disengagement, ease of maintenance and adjustment, compact dimensions, lightweight construction, wear resistance, adequate heat dissipation capacity, and ergonomic operation.
Whether to press the clutch when temporarily stopping depends on the situation. When driving a manual transmission in the city and waiting at a red light, I usually shift to neutral and engage the handbrake, completely releasing my left foot. However, if parked on a slope, I press the clutch, shift to first gear, and lightly apply the brake with my right foot to prevent rolling. Remember, keeping the clutch pedal pressed for too long during engine idling puts continuous pressure on the release bearing, and holding it for more than two to three minutes can lead to premature wear. Experienced drivers recommend shifting to neutral for stops longer than fifteen seconds, while handling short stops flexibly based on terrain is more practical. Another tip: during heavy rain and water wading, never release the clutch to stall the engine, as water could backflow into the exhaust pipe, causing trouble.
