Should the clutch be released quickly when shifting gears?
3 Answers
When shifting at low gears, the clutch should be released slowly, while at high gears, the clutch can be released a bit faster. The techniques for slow and fast clutch release during gear shifting are as follows: 1. As the vehicle speed increases, the clutch can be released more quickly when shifting. 2. After shifting to the second gear or higher, whether the clutch can be released quickly depends on whether the current vehicle speed has exceeded the idle speed upper limit of that gear. 3. If the speed is below the idle speed upper limit of that gear, releasing the clutch quickly may cause the vehicle to jerk forward. Although the engine won't stall at a certain speed, the car will become unstable. 4. If both the vehicle speed and engine speed are sufficient, the clutch pedal can be pressed and released quickly, avoiding the semi-engaged state, otherwise, it will accelerate clutch wear. Additionally, when pressing and releasing the clutch pedal, pay attention to coordinating with the throttle.
I remember struggling with this issue when I first bought my car. From personal experience, you must never release the clutch pedal quickly! Especially when shifting gears. I've been driving manual transmission cars for seven years now. At first, I didn't pay attention and would abruptly release the clutch during gear changes, causing the car to shake violently like an earthquake every time. Once, it even stalled the engine right at an intersection, which was extremely embarrassing. My driving instructor taught me that the proper gear shifting sequence is: depress the clutch, shift gears, then slowly release the clutch while coordinating with the throttle for a smooth transition. Quick release causes sudden engagement of clutch plates, creating intense friction. At best, it results in jerky and uncomfortable driving; at worst, it wears out transmission components and shortens their lifespan. Nowadays, I always take it slow, particularly during stop-and-go city driving. Controlling the release speed makes for smoother driving and fewer trips to the repair shop. Different vehicle conditions also matter - for example, older cars with larger clutch play require even slower release for safety. In short, developing good habits is key.
As an experienced driver who has driven various models, I recommend not releasing the clutch too quickly when shifting gears. The principle is simple: the clutch acts like a buffer plate for power transmission. Releasing it too fast causes the metal plates to collide harshly, which can easily lead to slippage or excessive wear. Having worked as a mechanic before, I've seen too many cases of damage caused by abruptly releasing the clutch, such as flywheel deformation or release bearing failure. The proper technique is to lift the pedal gradually, allowing the clutch to engage the shaft progressively while smoothly applying the throttle. Even during high-speed gear shifts, a slightly slower release is necessary to avoid sudden stalling risks. For daily manual transmission driving, focus on rhythm—press down to shift, then control the half-clutch position for a few seconds when lifting to ensure a smooth transition. Paying attention to these details not only protects the vehicle but also enhances driving comfort.
