Should You Press the Clutch When Parking?
2 Answers
When parking, you should press the clutch. The correct operation method for parking is as follows: First, press the brake (note: do not shift to neutral or press the clutch yet). Wait until the speed drops to 30 km/h, then press the clutch and shift to neutral while continuing to drive. During this time, maintain readiness to brake at any moment. Once the car reaches the desired position, apply the brake fully. The clutch is located within the flywheel housing between the engine and transmission. The clutch assembly is secured to the rear plane of the flywheel with screws, and the output shaft of the clutch serves as the input shaft of the transmission. During driving, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily disconnect or gradually engage the engine and transmission, thereby interrupting or transmitting the engine's power input to the transmission.
When I first learned to drive a manual transmission car, I was always flustered when parking. My instructor taught me that I must press the clutch before stopping, otherwise the car would easily stall. Pressing the clutch separates the engine from the wheels, making braking smoother and preventing the car from jerking to a stop, which can be unsettling. For example, the first time I drove to the supermarket, I didn’t press the clutch when parking—the car stalled and rolled forward, nearly scraping the wall, which gave me a cold sweat. Since then, I’ve made it a habit: when slowing down to a crawl, I press the clutch before braking, especially at intersections while waiting for red lights or in traffic jams—this trick works wonders. New drivers just need to practice a few times, and it’ll become second nature. Driving a manual won’t be chaotic anymore, and it’ll also protect the engine from wear. Remember this little tip, and your driving experience will instantly improve—safer and more worry-free.
