Should the Clutch Be Depressed or Released When Turning the Steering Wheel to Full Lock?
3 Answers
When turning the steering wheel to full lock, the clutch should be released. Here is a detailed introduction about the automotive clutch: 1. Overview: The automotive clutch is located within the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission, with the output shaft of the clutch serving as the input shaft of the transmission. During driving, the driver can depress or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily disconnect or gradually engage the engine and transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the engine's power to the transmission. 2. Principle: The driving and driven parts of the clutch utilize friction between contact surfaces, or use liquid as a transmission medium, or employ magnetic transmission (electromagnetic clutch) to transmit torque, allowing temporary separation and gradual engagement between the two parts while permitting mutual rotation during the transmission process.
When it comes to whether to depress or release the clutch when turning the steering wheel to full lock, I think it depends on the situation. Turning the steering wheel to full lock usually means making a sharp turn or reversing, and the speed is typically very slow. When I drive in such situations, I usually partially depress the clutch—just press it slightly, neither fully depressing nor fully releasing it. This operation helps control the speed and prevents stalling, because turning the steering wheel to full lock makes the front of the car heavier, and the engine tends to shake. If you fully release the clutch, the sudden surge of power might cause oversteering, especially on uphill curves; but if you fully depress it, there's no power, and the steering wheel becomes extremely heavy, making it difficult to control. With 20 years of driving experience, I’ve found that maintaining a half-clutch position is best—it allows fine-tuning of the speed while avoiding burning the clutch plates. I always do this when parking, as it’s both safe and good for the car. Another key point: holding the steering wheel at full lock for too long is bad for the power steering system, so coordinating clutch control can reduce wear. That’s why I always straighten the steering wheel and relax it after such maneuvers.
When I was learning to drive, my instructor kept emphasizing this issue: never mess with the clutch when the steering wheel is turned all the way. At first, I would either press it all the way down or release it completely out of nervousness, stalling the engine several times and getting called clumsy by the instructor. Later, I learned that when turning the steering wheel to the limit, you have to consider the speed and terrain. At low speeds, like making a turn in a residential area, gently press the clutch halfway and hold it steady—this prevents the car from jerking forward or stopping abruptly. If more power is needed, like going over a bump, slightly lift the clutch but don’t overdo it. Now, after practicing more on my own, I’ve realized that controlling the clutch while the steering wheel is fully turned is an art—it protects the transmission and engine joints, preventing long-term wear. In daily driving, I always keep an eye on the speedometer; when the steering wheel is fully turned, I slow down first before adjusting the clutch. This makes reversing much smoother, especially on slippery rainy roads.
