Should You Press the Clutch at Traffic Lights?
2 Answers
You need to press the clutch at traffic lights. Below are the relevant details about when to press the clutch: When starting the car: The key points for operating the clutch pedal when starting are: fast at first, then slow, and finally coordinated. Specifically, lift the pedal quickly at the beginning, slow down when the clutch reaches the semi-engaged state, and gradually lift the pedal as it moves from semi-engagement to full engagement. Simultaneously, press the accelerator pedal gradually based on the engine's resistance to ensure a smooth start. When shifting gears while driving: When shifting gears, press and release the clutch pedal quickly without allowing it to remain in the semi-engaged state, as this can accelerate clutch wear. Additionally, ensure proper coordination with the accelerator pedal during operation.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade. When waiting at traffic lights, I usually depress the clutch pedal. This completely disengages the transmission, reducing friction wear on the clutch plates. If you keep the car in first gear without depressing the clutch, the vehicle remains in a semi-engaged state, which can lead to overheating and damage to the clutch plates over time – especially noticeable during frequent starts in city traffic jams. Once when I was in a hurry and forgot to depress the clutch, the car vibrated violently, and later inspection revealed premature wear of the clutch components. Using the clutch is even more crucial on slopes to prevent rollback accidents that could harm pedestrians or cause rear-end collisions. Depressing the clutch during startup provides quicker acceleration response, avoiding sluggish movement after the light turns green. For short waits, keeping your foot on the pedal isn't tiring; for red lights lasting over half a minute, I shift to neutral to rest my foot. Protecting vehicle components is a long-term strategy that saves repair costs and provides peace of mind. Once it becomes habit, it feels completely natural – just avoid frequently torturing parts with semi-engagement.
