Should You Depress the Clutch When Turning a Vehicle?
2 Answers
You should not depress the clutch when turning a vehicle, as this action will accelerate clutch wear. If the vehicle speed is too slow for the current gear, you can downshift instead of continuously depressing the clutch or riding the clutch. The clutch is located within the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission, with the clutch assembly secured to the rear plane of the flywheel by screws. The output shaft of the clutch is the input shaft of the transmission. During driving, the driver can depress or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily separate or gradually engage the engine and transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the engine's power to the transmission.
As a beginner driver, I used to instinctively press the clutch when turning, fearing excessive speed and thinking it was safer. However, after several test drives, I realized this approach has significant issues: pressing the clutch instantly cuts off engine power, causing the car to glide into the turn, which can lead to body shaking or loss of control, especially during low-speed turns like right turns at intersections. My instructor repeatedly emphasized that the clutch should only be used when starting or matching speeds at low speeds, while maintaining power during high-speed turns ensures better traction. The technique I’ve learned now is: slow down and shift to an appropriate gear (like second gear) before the turn, then maintain slight throttle without pressing the clutch when entering the turn—this results in smoother steering and more reliable control. With more daily practice, I’ve improved through repetition, avoiding unnecessary actions to ensure safe driving.
