Should You Press the Accelerator While Releasing the Clutch?
3 Answers
If the car is starting and the clutch is being released, the accelerator should be pressed. Proper coordination between the accelerator and clutch is necessary to get the car moving. If the car is shifting gears and the clutch is being released, since the vehicle already has a certain speed, pressing the accelerator may not be necessary. Here is some additional information: 1. About the Clutch: The clutch is a separation device between the car engine and the transmission, allowing gear shifts through its engagement and disengagement. Manual transmission vehicles have a dedicated clutch pedal; shifting gears requires fully depressing the pedal. Automatic transmission vehicles integrate the clutch into the transmission, using a computer to automate gear shifts. 2. Precautions: While driving, avoid prolonged semi-engagement of the clutch, i.e., pressing the accelerator while only partially releasing the clutch, as this can cause wear on the clutch. The clutch plates should be inspected approximately every 20,000 kilometers.
Having driven manual transmission for decades, releasing the clutch while simultaneously pressing the accelerator is a fundamental operation to avoid stalling and jerking. At the moment of starting, you should gradually release the clutch and moderately press the accelerator to match the engine speed with the wheel demand. If not synchronized, the car will either stall abruptly or lurch forward, which is unsafe and damages components. Especially when starting on a slope, failing to operate both simultaneously can lead to rolling back or stalling, so it requires practice to find the balance point. Remember not to press the accelerator too deeply or release the clutch too quickly, as this increases wear and fuel consumption; maintaining a gentle rhythm is the most worry-free and car-friendly approach. In daily driving, this technique ensures smoother starts and enhances the overall experience.
When I first started learning manual transmission, I also struggled with this. The instructor taught me to simultaneously release the clutch and gently press the accelerator, otherwise the car would stall or not move. I found the key is to slowly lift the clutch with the left foot while lightly pressing the accelerator with the right foot, feeling the car's response, and holding steady once it moves smoothly. Practice more on gentle roads to get familiar, avoiding prolonged half-clutch to prevent overheating damage. Don't be nervous when starting out; once the movements are coordinated, it becomes natural, reducing the issue of jerky starts.
