Should You Press the Accelerator When Releasing the Clutch?
2 Answers
You do not need to press the accelerator when releasing the clutch. Here is a detailed explanation: 1. During the starting phase: First, press both the brake and clutch pedals simultaneously, and shift the gear from neutral to first gear. Then, slowly release the clutch. When you feel the car start to vibrate slightly, release the brake. At this point, the vehicle will begin to move forward slowly. If the speed is too slow, you can press the accelerator to increase the speed while steadily releasing the clutch to complete the start. 2. During the acceleration phase: Once the vehicle's speed increases, you should shift up appropriately. At this point, release the brake and steadily press the clutch. After shifting gears, steadily release the clutch. Note that you should not press the accelerator while pressing the clutch, as this will waste power and increase fuel consumption. 3. During the stopping phase: When preparing to stop, press both the brake and clutch pedals simultaneously. After the car comes to a gradual stop, shift to neutral and then slowly release the clutch and brake pedals. If the car remains in first gear after stopping, releasing the clutch and brake too quickly can cause the engine to stall.
When I first learned to drive a manual transmission, I was always scolded by my instructor. If I released the clutch without stepping on the gas, the car would stall, which really startled me. In reality, when starting, especially on a slope or in a parking lot, you must gently press the accelerator while partially engaging the clutch to give the car enough power to move. I tried releasing the clutch alone a few times, and the engine shook violently or even stalled—how embarrassing! It wasn’t until I had more experience that I understood the timing of the accelerator is crucial: lightly press the gas and slowly release the clutch for a smooth start without harming the engine. But don’t step on the gas during gear shifts—release the clutch first and then accelerate for a smoother transition, saving fuel and avoiding waste. For daily city driving, I’ve gotten used to letting the speed build up a bit before shifting gears, making the process much simpler. New drivers just need more practice to get the hang of it—remember to use the accelerator when starting for safety and convenience.
