Should You Press the Brake or Clutch First When Parking?
2 Answers
When parking, you should press the brake first. Here is an introduction about brakes and clutches: 1. Introduction to Brakes: A brake, also known as a braking system, refers to the action of stopping or reducing the speed of moving locomotives, vehicles, and other transportation tools or machinery. The general principle of braking is to fix a wheel or disc on the high-speed shaft of the machine and install corresponding brake shoes, bands, or discs on the machine base, which generate braking torque under external force. The brake device is a mechanical braking device that can slow down the speed, also known as a decelerator. 2. Introduction to Clutches: The clutch is located in the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission. The clutch assembly is fixed to the rear plane of the flywheel with screws, and the output shaft of the clutch is the input shaft of the transmission. During driving, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily separate or gradually engage the engine and the transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the power input from the engine to the transmission.
When I was learning to drive, my instructor always emphasized stepping on the brake first: slowing down is key to avoiding rear-end collisions or uncontrolled rolling. Imagine going downhill—if you touch the clutch first, the car could instantly lose control, with the engine stalling or the tires skidding. Early in my practice, I once forgot this sequence in a parking lot and nearly hit a pole. It took repeated practice to build the habit. Now, every time I stop, I gently tap the brake to check my surroundings, then press the clutch for a smooth stop, and finally shift to neutral. This isn’t just about safety—it also protects the transmission from wear, especially since manual transmissions demand precision. In daily driving, checking mirrors and surroundings matters too; don’t underestimate the wisdom behind simple actions.
