Should You Press the Clutch When Shifting Gears?
2 Answers
When shifting gears, you need to press the clutch. When changing gears in a car, you should press the clutch pedal all the way down, shift into second gear, release the clutch to the semi-engaged state, then gently press the accelerator, release the clutch completely, and finally increase the throttle. The same procedure applies when upshifting to higher gears. The requirements for a car's clutch include quick disengagement, smooth engagement, and sufficient heat dissipation capability. The clutch is a mechanical device located between the engine and the transmission, where the output shaft of the clutch serves as the input shaft of the transmission. While driving, the driver controls the clutch pedal to separate or connect the engine and clutch, thereby cutting off or transmitting the engine's power to the transmission.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for almost twenty years, and I usually press the clutch when shifting gears because it disconnects the engine from the transmission, making gear changes smoother and avoiding gear grinding or damaging the synchronizer. If you don't press the clutch and force the gear lever directly, the gears will clatter, and over time, the transmission could be ruined. I remember once in traffic, I forgot to press it, and the car jerked suddenly, giving me a scare and nearly causing a collision. New drivers especially should pay attention to forming good habits—press the clutch before starting the engine, keep the shifting motion smooth, and release the clutch slowly while pressing it quickly to reduce jerking. On uphill or downhill slopes or when turning, always press the clutch firmly—safety first.
