Should the Clutch Be Fully Released When Shifting from First to Second Gear?
4 Answers
When starting in first gear, it is not necessary to fully release the clutch. During the starting process, you only need to lift the clutch to the semi-engaged state. In this state, simply observe the vehicle's RPM. When the tachometer shows the RPM approaching around 1000, you can release the brake with your right foot and gently press the accelerator to accelerate the car. During acceleration, you can gradually release the clutch completely. Extended information about gears: 1st gear: Suitable for starting and low-speed climbing. 2nd gear: 10 to 30 km/h. 3rd gear: 20 to 40 km/h. 4th gear: 30 to 50 km/h. 5th gear: 50 to 70 km/h. 6th gear: 70 km/h and above. 1st gear: Suitable for starting and low-speed climbing. The optimal time to shift from first to second gear is when the speed reaches 15 to 20 km/h. At the same time, lightly grip the gear lever with your right hand and move it parallel to the left, then gently push the lever forward to engage first gear. 2nd gear: The speed range is approximately 10 to 30 km/h, with the shift timing at 25 to 30 km/h. Use your right wrist to pull the gear lever backward to engage second gear. 3rd gear: The speed range is 20 to 40 km/h, with the shift timing at 35 to 40 km/h. Push the gear lever forward with your right hand, let it naturally return to neutral, then push it straight forward to engage third gear. 4th gear: The speed range is 30 to 50 km/h, with the shift timing at 45 to 50 km/h. Pull the gear lever backward with your right hand, passing through neutral, to engage fourth gear. 5th gear: The speed range is 50 to 70 km/h, with the shift timing at 65 to 70 km/h. Push the gear lever forward with your right hand to enter neutral, then swing it parallel to the right and push it forward to engage fifth gear. 6th gear: When the speed exceeds 70 km/h, you can use the highest gear, sixth gear. Simply pull the gear lever backward to engage sixth gear.
When I was a novice learning to drive, the instructor repeatedly reminded me that when shifting from first to second gear, the clutch must be fully released. If not, the car would suddenly jerk, as if the engine was struggling with pent-up force, and it could easily stall. I remember one time on the road when I only released the clutch halfway during a gear shift—the car lurched violently, and items from the back seat flew out. It was quite embarrassing. Fully releasing the clutch ensures the engine and transmission engage completely, allowing smooth power transfer. Otherwise, the clutch may slip, leading to premature wear of components. Now, my shifting routine is simple: press the clutch—quickly shift to second gear—gradually release the clutch to the biting point—once the speed stabilizes, fully release it. The key is not releasing too fast or too slow, while gently matching the throttle for a natural, smooth motion. Developing this habit in city driving or uphill climbs saves fuel and enhances safety.
Over the years of driving a manual transmission, I've learned that you must fully release the clutch when shifting from first to second gear, otherwise the car won't run smoothly. During gear shifts, I first press the clutch to engage second gear, then gradually release the clutch while lightly applying throttle until the engine RPM matches the vehicle speed before fully releasing. This makes the car glide out with smooth acceleration. If you don't fully release, the mismatch between engine and wheel speeds causes jerky movement - uncomfortable to drive and risks burning clutch components. I've developed the habit of listening to engine sound during shifts, fully releasing the clutch once it sounds smooth. This technique works equally well in highway or congested traffic, ensuring continuous power delivery for safer, more efficient driving. Mastering manual transmission is about developing feel - practice until you find the rhythm, never let the car feel sluggish.
The role of the clutch in shifting gears is to disconnect and connect the power. After shifting from first gear to second gear, you must fully release the clutch for complete engagement. If you only release it halfway, the clutch in a semi-engaged state will slip, leading to uneven power transmission, causing the car to jerk or even damage the friction plates. Fully releasing the clutch avoids this issue, ensuring the engine speed and wheel rotation are synchronized. My suggestion for the shifting process is simple: press the clutch - shift gears - slowly release the clutch - wait until the car no longer jerks before fully releasing. Not fully releasing the clutch not only makes the ride less smooth but also wastes fuel and harms the components. Remember, fully releasing it allows the system to work seamlessly.
