Should You Press the Clutch When Decelerating in a Manual Transmission Car?

[MadelynMarie]

When decelerating at higher speeds, you should first apply the brakes and then press the clutch once the speed has decreased. This is known as the "dual braking" method. At lower speeds, you should press the clutch first before applying the brakes; otherwise, the engine may vibrate and stall if the clutch is not engaged. Lower speeds refer to when the vehicle is traveling below 30 km/h or when the engine RPM is around 900. In such cases, it is advisable to press the clutch first and then apply the brakes. This operation is most commonly used at traffic lights in urban areas. Since the engine RPM is low and the wheel speed is not high, there is minimal inertia. A light press on the brake pedal is sufficient to stop the vehicle. Pressing the clutch beforehand prevents the car from stalling and disconnects the engine from the transmission, stopping the engine from providing power. The vehicle's weight alone can counteract most of the inertia. This approach has two advantages: first, you don’t have to worry about the car stalling, as long as you control the brake pedal properly; second, the car will come to a smoother stop without any sudden jerking. When braking at higher speeds, release the accelerator first, then apply the brakes, and finally press the clutch. This is because the vehicle has greater inertia at higher speeds. Releasing the accelerator and applying the brakes reduces the engine RPM, which helps suppress the wheel speed. Applying the brakes at this stage, combined with the braking effect of the brake pads, yields better results. If you press the clutch first and then the brakes, the engine's traction is cut off, leaving only the brake pads to provide braking force. Braking Tips for Manual Transmission Cars: Braking in Rainy Conditions Use emergency brakes cautiously in rainy weather and try to control your speed. For roads with standing water, use intermittent braking. This helps remove some water from the brake discs and prevents rust! Avoid Continuous Braking When approaching a red light, don’t brake hard just before stopping. Instead, brake gradually and adjust based on the distance to maintain a controlled speed. This is the most economical and scientific approach. Braking on Slopes When braking uphill, the vehicle decelerates quickly. Therefore, on slopes, brake as usual but release the brake faster than normal. This prevents the car from rolling backward or causing a rear-end collision. For manual transmission cars, remember to shift gears promptly after braking and avoid using high gears when climbing. When descending a slope, use the brakes as an auxiliary tool for deceleration rather than applying them continuously. Continuous braking may overheat the brake pads and lead to brake failure. Generally, using third gear in a manual transmission helps maintain a stable speed. The brakes should only assist in controlling speed, and it’s best not to rely solely on them for speed regulation.