Should You Press the Clutch at Traffic Lights?
2 Answers
You should not press the clutch at traffic lights; instead, shift to neutral. For manual transmission vehicles, it is essential to shift to neutral when waiting at a red light because the foot can easily become fatigued. Pressing the clutch requires significant force, which may lead to loss of control and cause the car to lurch forward, potentially resulting in an accident. After shifting to neutral at a traffic light, it is advisable to engage the handbrake. If the stop is brief, lightly pressing the brake is also acceptable. Prolonged pressing of the clutch can affect the lifespan of the clutch release bearing, as the bearing starts working when the clutch pedal is depressed. Over time, this can lead to premature failure of the component, so it is best to avoid prolonged clutch pressing.
When I first learned to drive, my instructor always told me to press the clutch at red lights to prevent stalling, but over time I found this exhausting and it could prematurely wear out the clutch. Later, I researched and discovered that for short red lights (under 10-20 seconds), it's fine to press the clutch and keep the car in first gear, ready to start. For longer stops, it's better to shift to neutral, release the clutch and brake, and let the car rest. This isn't laziness—it protects the car. Keeping the clutch pressed for too long causes the clutch plate to overheat and wear out, wastes fuel, and is especially noticeable in traffic jams. Now, I've developed the habit of judging the stop duration and releasing the clutch accordingly—it saves both hassle and money. Beginners should practice this technique more; it ensures safety and extends the vehicle's lifespan.
