Should You Press the Brake or the Clutch First When Driving?
2 Answers
When driving, you should press the brake first and then the clutch. The function of the brake is to reduce speed or bring the vehicle to a stop. Its working principle is: by utilizing the friction between the brake pads and the brake drum, as well as between the tires and the ground, the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle is converted into heat energy through friction, thereby slowing down or stopping the vehicle. The functions of the clutch are: 1. Gradually increasing the driving force of the car to allow for a smooth start; 2. Temporarily separating the engine and the transmission for gear shifting; 3. Preventing overload in the transmission system; 4. Reducing torsional vibration impacts from the engine to prolong the lifespan of the transmission gears. The working principle of the clutch is: 1. When the inner race is fixed, the outer race can rotate freely in the clockwise direction without locking the wedges; 2. When the outer race rotates counterclockwise, the wedges lock, preventing the outer race from rotating.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade, and safety always comes first. When slowing down or stopping, I consistently follow the principle of pressing the brake first to control speed; only when the speed drops significantly, say below 10 km/h, do I press the clutch. This prevents engine stalling or loss of vehicle control. In emergencies like sudden braking ahead, I immediately stomp on the brake as priority without touching the clutch, because braking provides faster deceleration to avoid collisions. Once on a rainy downhill slope, I pressed the clutch before the brake, causing the car to nearly slide out of the lane and hit the guardrail. Since then, I've always remembered the correct sequence. I apply this method whether stopping on flat roads or slopes, especially crucial on slippery surfaces where the braking system is the main defense against accidents. Good habits significantly reduce accident risks. With enough practice, it becomes second nature, ensuring every drive is safe and stable.
