Should the clutch be fully depressed when braking?
2 Answers
If the car comes to a stop, the clutch must be fully depressed to prevent stalling. Under normal circumstances, the clutch does not need to be fully depressed; it should be engaged based on the driving speed during braking. Below is a related introduction to the car clutch: 1. When moving at low speed: For a manual transmission car, if the car is stationary and the brake is fully applied without disengaging the clutch, the engine cannot drive the car, causing the engine crankshaft to stop moving and resulting in stalling. During movement, as long as the car's speed is higher than the speed corresponding to the engine idle speed at the current transmission gear ratio, the car will not stall. When braking at low speed, the clutch must be pressed first to disconnect the engine's power transmission and prevent stalling. 2. When moving at high speed: When decelerating, if the speed is above 40, it is advisable to brake with the gear engaged (this effectively utilizes the engine's resistance to decelerate, reduces wear on the brake pads, and avoids clutch wear). After the speed drops below 40, depress the clutch to shift to neutral or engage a suitable low gear. At high speeds, brake without pressing the clutch and only press the clutch after slowing down to prevent stalling.
Having driven for over a decade, I firmly believe that pressing the clutch when braking is crucial, especially at red lights or in congested urban areas. If not fully depressed, the car might stall, increasing the risk of losing control in chaotic situations—particularly for beginners who may panic easily. I recall one rainy day when the roads were slippery; I didn’t press the clutch firmly while braking, and the engine suddenly stalled, nearly causing a rear-end collision that scared me to death. Therefore, I recommend making it a habit to press the clutch whenever braking, regardless of the situation. This not only protects the engine and reduces wear but also ensures smoother and safer driving. However, during emergency braking at high speeds, prioritizing deceleration over clutch engagement might be more critical. In short, safety comes first, and with practice, you’ll find the right balance.
