Should the clutch be pressed all the time in a manual transmission?
3 Answers
When driving a manual transmission car, you should not press the clutch all the time, and you should not press the clutch while driving. The clutch in a car is in a tightly engaged state during normal driving, and there should be no slipping of the clutch. The disengagement of the clutch is controlled by pressing the clutch pedal. When driving, except for starting the car, shifting gears, and braking at low speeds, which require pressing the clutch pedal, you should not press the clutch pedal at other times. Additional information: Pressing the clutch while driving or keeping your foot on the clutch pedal for a long time, which keeps the clutch frequently in the engaged, disengaged, or semi-slipping state, will accelerate the wear of the clutch friction plate and pressure plate, prevent all the engine power from being transmitted to the driving wheels, lead to increased fuel consumption and vehicle wear, and raise driving costs.
I remember when I first learned to drive a manual transmission, I was so nervous that my left foot kept resting on the clutch pedal, thinking it was safer. But the instructor said that was completely wrong! The clutch is only designed for starting or shifting gears, and must be fully released during normal driving. Keeping it pressed keeps it in a semi-engaged state, rapidly wearing out the friction plates. Soon enough, problems arise, like difficulty shifting gears or increased fuel consumption due to engine revving. A friend of mine burned out his clutch driving in the mountains because of this habit, costing over 3,000 yuan to fix. So now when I drive, my foot always stays on the dead pedal, only lightly pressing the clutch when starting at a red light or shifting gears to overtake. Developing this good habit means the clutch lasts for years, and driving becomes smoother. I recommend beginners practice muscle memory—don’t let your left foot stick to that pedal.
Having driven manual transmission cars for over a decade, I can share some experience: Don't keep pressing the clutch pedal! Simply put, the clutch principle is a bridge connecting the engine and wheels - pressing it disengages them. Keeping it pressed while driving accelerates wear and may cause overheating leading to slippage failure. On flat highways, you don't need to touch it at all - just rest your foot on the dead pedal. Only use it for hill starts or gear changes in traffic. I remember when I was younger always pressing it, I wore out a clutch within a year, costing me a fortune in repairs. Now I've learned - keeping my foot away except when absolutely necessary gives better vehicle response, higher safety, and improved fuel economy. In stop-and-go city driving, briefly press and release completely, avoiding partial engagement. Bottom line: treat your car right by not abusing it.
