Should the clutch be released quickly or slowly when downshifting?

[AdelineLynn]

When downshifting, the clutch should be released slowly. Here are the relevant details: When using the clutch for gear shifting, many people release the clutch too quickly after shifting, which can easily cause the car to jerk. Gear shifting operations require proper coordination between clutch engagement/disengagement and throttle control. The left foot should gradually lift the clutch while the right foot moves from the brake pedal to the accelerator. Precautions: During manual transmission driving, gear shifting operations rely on the coordination between the clutch and throttle. Some drivers keep their foot on the clutch pedal constantly. This bad habit can lead to excessive wear or premature failure of the clutch disc. When downshifting, it's important to first reduce speed by releasing the accelerator, allowing the vehicle to slow down using engine braking.

[MacHailey]

As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience driving manual transmissions, I’m accustomed to releasing the clutch slowly when downshifting. Especially when the speed drops below 40 km/h, I maintain the semi-engaged clutch state for one or two seconds, waiting for the tachometer needle to gradually climb to around 1,500 RPM before fully releasing the clutch. Releasing it too quickly causes a jolt—not only do passengers lurch forward, but over time, the clutch plate wears out much faster. My last mechanic mentioned that most cars needing clutch replacements are due to overly hasty gear shifts. Remember, when downshifting on a downhill slope, take it as slow as pulling silk—sudden jerking forces are no good for the transmission.

[StRylee]

When I first got my driver's license, I also struggled with this issue. Later, I realized the key is to consider the speed. When driving at high speeds, like shifting from 5th to 4th gear at 80 km/h, you can release the clutch faster because the RPM difference is small. But at low speeds, such as shifting from 3rd to 2nd gear at 20 km/h, you need to treat the clutch like a freshly baked hot potato and release it slowly. Don't forget to blip the throttle—lightly tap the accelerator with your right foot to raise the RPM by about 500 before releasing the clutch for a smooth shift. Once, I didn't blip the throttle during an emergency slowdown, and the car jerked violently like a sieve, almost causing a rear-end collision. That scared me so much that I never tried to rush again.

[AxelLee]

Over the years as a driving instructor, I always emphasize to students to release the clutch slowly. A common mistake beginners make is abruptly letting go with a 'click,' which results in jerking and stalling. I teach them to pause for half a second at the semi-engaged position, feeling the engine sound deepen before fully releasing, like slowly turning on a faucet. This is especially crucial on rainy days when roads are slippery. Just the other day, while practicing with a student, he released the clutch too quickly during downshifting, causing the front wheels to suddenly skid and scrape against the curb. Nowadays, new cars come with gear shift indicators, but the finesse of an experienced driver still can't be replaced by electronic systems.