Should You Press the Accelerator While Releasing the Clutch?
2 Answers
Pressing the accelerator while releasing the clutch is called clutch-throttle coordination. Clutch-throttle coordination needs to be adjusted based on the vehicle speed. During the starting phase, place the gear in neutral. After starting, press the clutch pedal all the way down, shift the gear lever into first gear, and slowly release the clutch while coordinating with the accelerator pedal to ensure a smooth start. When pressing the clutch pedal, it must be fully depressed. During the process of slowly releasing the clutch pedal, feel the slight vibration and movement tendency of the vehicle. When the vehicle shows slight vibration and begins to move, gradually apply the accelerator while continuing to slowly release the clutch pedal until it is completely released, ensuring a smooth start. Clutch-throttle coordination is equally important when shifting gears while the vehicle is in motion. As the vehicle speed increases, the duration of the clutch-throttle coordination process gradually shortens, meaning the clutch pedal should be released more quickly.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade, and I've found that releasing the clutch while simultaneously pressing the accelerator helps with smooth starts and prevents stalling, especially when going uphill or carrying heavy loads. However, pressing the accelerator too hard can cause the car to lurch forward dangerously or accelerate clutch wear, leading to premature failure. I recommend that beginners practice on flat roads by releasing the clutch without pressing the accelerator, and only attempt to add a little throttle after becoming familiar with the clutch engagement point. When starting on an incline, this technique is indeed necessary, but the movement should be controlled to maintain smoothness. With more driving experience, you'll find this skill practical but must use it in moderation—over-reliance increases fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Ultimately, adjusting flexibly based on the situation is the safest approach. In my daily driving, I rely on experience to judge and avoid accidents.
