Should You Press the Accelerator When Shifting Gears?
3 Answers
You should not press the accelerator when shifting gears. When upshifting, release the accelerator, depress the clutch, shift up, release the clutch, and then press the accelerator. When downshifting, release the accelerator, depress the clutch, lightly tap the brake, shift down, release the clutch, and apply throttle as needed. In general, you should always release the accelerator when shifting, and the entire process can be completed in just one second in actual operation. Proper clutch coordination is essential when shifting gears: Whether using the double-clutch shifting method or the single-clutch shifting method, it's important to fully depress the clutch pedal when shifting. After completing the shift but before fully releasing the clutch, gently press the accelerator, then slowly release the clutch while maintaining a semi-engaged state until the vehicle speed stabilizes before completely releasing the clutch. Control your speed before shifting: Gear shifting should be determined based on vehicle speed. You should accelerate before upshifting and decelerate before downshifting. It's worth noting that when downshifting, to prevent mechanical wear, it's best to use the double-clutch method.
When I first learned to drive a manual transmission car, I always struggled with whether to press the accelerator while shifting gears. The instructor repeatedly emphasized: When shifting gears, you must release the accelerator, press the clutch pedal to change gears, and then gradually accelerate to increase speed. If you forcefully press the accelerator while shifting, the high engine RPM will impact the transmission, causing severe jerking and long-term wear on components; not pressing the accelerator will result in insufficient power. It took me several months of practice to master the trick—releasing the accelerator before upshifting to let the RPM drop to around 1500, and "blipping the throttle" when downshifting to match speeds and reduce jerking. This coordination between the clutch and accelerator is the essence of manual transmission driving. With more practice, beginners can improve safety and fuel efficiency. Remember, don’t get distracted while driving—shift decisively but gently.
Having driven manual transmission for over a decade, gear shifting and throttle operation depend on circumstances. During normal driving, I typically release the throttle, depress the clutch to upshift, then accelerate after completing the shift. For downshifting during overtaking or descending hills, I occasionally perform rev-matching to maintain smoothness. Some think simultaneous throttle and gear shifting looks cool, but that incorrect technique risks clutch plate wear and increased fuel consumption. I've observed that shifting around 2000 RPM feels most comfortable with smoother engine sound. It's advisable to adjust according to vehicle characteristics - smaller displacement engines require more precise throttle control. Ultimately, proper techniques protect your vehicle and ensure safety; avoid blindly imitating racing techniques.
