Should You Brake or Depress the Clutch First When Downshifting a Manual Transmission Car?
2 Answers
When downshifting a manual transmission car, you should brake first. A manual transmission, or manual gearbox, operates by using the gear shift lever to alter the meshing gear ratios, thereby changing the driving torque to suit different driving conditions. The driving method for a manual transmission car is as follows: 1. Fully depress the clutch pedal; 2. Push the gear lever to engage the 1st gear, the starting gear; 3. Gently press down the turn signal lever to activate the left turn signal, alerting vehicles in front and behind; 4. Press the horn button to notify pedestrians in front of the vehicle that you are about to start; 5. Release the vehicle's handbrake; 6. Lift the left foot gradually until the clutch reaches the half-engaged state, at which point the vehicle will begin to vibrate slightly; 7. As the vehicle starts moving, release the clutch and gently press the accelerator.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over 20 years, and when downshifting is needed, I always brake first to reduce speed. Because maintaining control through braking is the foundation of safety, especially on slippery roads or downhill slopes. If you depress the clutch first, it disconnects the engine from the wheels, creating a high risk of speed loss control. Wait until the speed drops to an appropriate range, say from highway speed down to about 40 km/h, then press the clutch to shift to a lower gear. This operation ensures smoothness without skidding and gives more driving confidence. I've seen many people recklessly operate the clutch during emergency braking, causing transmission wear. Smooth driving not only protects the vehicle and extends its lifespan but also reduces accident risks. Safety first is always the right approach.
