Should You Press the Clutch Before the Brake When Stopping?
2 Answers
When stopping, pressing the clutch before the brake can help prevent traffic accidents caused by sudden braking. Below are the relevant introductions about the brake and clutch: 1. Brake: The brake of a motor vehicle is also called the braking system. The principle of braking is to fix a wheel or disc on the high-speed shaft of the machine and install a corresponding belt or disc on the machine, which generates braking torque under external force. 2. Clutch: The clutch of a motor vehicle is located inside 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 of the clutch is the input shaft of the transmission.
There's actually a proper technique for stopping a manual transmission car, and many drivers often debate which pedal to press first. Having driven a manual for nearly a decade, I've developed the habit of first applying the brake to slow down, then depressing the clutch when the speed drops to about 20 km/h. This prevents sudden jerking and avoids stalling when coming to a complete stop. If you press the clutch first, the car essentially goes into neutral coasting, relying solely on brakes for deceleration, which increases stopping distance. In emergency situations, even a half-second delay can make a difference. Additionally, engaging the clutch while the engine RPM is still high actually increases clutch wear. I recommend beginners practice in parking lots first - focus on coordinating brake and clutch timing during the deceleration process from 30 km/h to 0.
