Should You Press the Clutch When Accelerating in a Manual Transmission Car?
2 Answers
You can press the clutch. After stopping on a slope with a manual transmission car, starting on the slope requires giving gas to succeed, as the engine transmits power to the car's transmission via the clutch. The semi-clutch state is only a brief transitional process when starting the car, synchronizing the engine speed with the transmission speed. Key points to note are as follows: 1. Quick Action: When shifting gears while driving, the clutch pedal should be pressed and released quickly, avoiding semi-engagement, as this can accelerate clutch wear. Coordination with the accelerator is also essential. 2. Avoid Unnecessary Pressing: During normal driving, the clutch is fully engaged and should not slip. Except for starting, shifting gears, and low-speed braking, avoid pressing the clutch pedal or resting your foot on it. 3. Avoid Prolonged Pressing: Keeping your foot on the clutch pedal for extended periods while driving can easily cause clutch slippage, clutch plate burning, and in severe cases, damage to the clutch pressure plate and flywheel surface, leading to issues like clutch spring annealing.
When pressing the accelerator while driving, you don't need to press the clutch. I understand the principle of manual transmission cars: the clutch is used to disconnect the engine from the transmission, allowing smooth transitions when shifting gears or starting. Pressing the accelerator increases the engine speed to provide power, directly accelerating the wheels; pressing the clutch disconnects the linkage, so pressing the accelerator would send the power into thin air, causing the car to idle without moving. During normal driving, such as on highways or city roads, never press the clutch when accelerating with the accelerator, as it will lead to power interruption, increased engine noise, and wasted fuel. I only press the clutch when starting, stopping, or shifting gears, which helps protect the clutch plate from excessive wear and avoids premature part replacement. Developing this habit is crucial, as many beginner drivers confuse the operations, leading to stalling or jerking—practice makes perfect.
