Should You Press the Clutch When Braking?
2 Answers
Whether to press the clutch when braking can be divided into 3 scenarios: 1. When driving at low speeds, press the clutch first, then the brake; 2. When the speed is above 60 km/h, you can directly press the brake to slow down, utilizing engine braking for better stopping power. Keeping the gear engaged while braking also helps maintain vehicle control. Press the clutch to downshift only after the speed has dropped to prevent lugging the engine; 3. During emergency braking, press both the clutch and brake simultaneously. Situations where you should or shouldn't press the clutch when braking include: 1. When driving at high speeds or normal speeds and only intending to slow down, there's no need to press the clutch; 2. When descending a long or steep slope, avoid pressing the clutch to utilize the engine's traction for braking.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade, and stepping on the clutch while braking is second nature to me, especially when waiting at traffic lights in the city. The main benefit of doing this is to prevent the engine from stalling, allowing the car to come to a smooth stop. If you don't press the clutch and just brake directly, the car might stop with a sudden jerk, the engine could stall, and you'd have to restart it the next time you take off, which is particularly troublesome. On long downhill slopes or slippery roads during rain or snow, I prefer to lightly press the brake while holding the clutch steady to better control the speed and avoid losing control. Of course, it's not necessary to press the clutch every time—for example, when slowing down on the highway, braking alone can utilize engine braking, which saves fuel and extends the life of the clutch plates. In short, just operate flexibly according to the situation, don't rigidly follow the rules.
