Should You Press the Clutch When Turning?

[StEliana]

You should not press the clutch when turning, as doing so not only affects the lifespan of the clutch but can also cause the car to lose control in severe cases. When to press the clutch: Whether you need to press the clutch when turning depends on the speed of the turn and the angle of the steering wheel. Turning requires slowing down, and if the speed is too high, it can be very dangerous. In such cases, you should not press the clutch, as doing so would cause the vehicle to lose engine braking force, which is risky. However, if the speed is very slow during a turn, such as between 20 km/h and 30 km/h, pressing the clutch is acceptable. At this speed, the car is unlikely to skid, and pressing the clutch can prevent stalling. Important Notes: It's important to remember that the clutch, throttle, and brake are tools for controlling speed. When turning, the focus should be on maintaining a safe speed and adjusting the steering wheel angle accordingly. Therefore, whether the car stalls during a turn is not directly related to pressing the clutch but rather depends on the coordination between the throttle and clutch, as well as the corresponding steering wheel movements.

[MacVincent]

Having driven manual transmission cars for over 20 years, I can tell you that you really shouldn't casually press the clutch when turning. Thinking back to when I was learning to drive, the instructor repeatedly emphasized maintaining power connection during turns. Pressing the clutch is equivalent to putting the car in neutral, losing the engine's braking force, which can easily cause the front wheels to skid and lose control—especially dangerous on rainy days or during sharp turns. Normally when turning, I'm accustomed to maintaining appropriate throttle control and making slight steering adjustments based on speed, which feels very stable. If you need to shift gears, like downshifting from a higher gear to a lower one, you should only briefly press the clutch to complete the operation quickly and then release it. Otherwise, taking too long during the turn can amplify the risks. New drivers should pay special attention to this—developing good habits can reduce accidents.

[DiJonathan]

As a new driver who just got my license, my instructor always reminded me not to touch the clutch when turning. He said pressing the clutch would cut off power, causing the car to lose traction and become unstable like skating on a curve. I've tried it myself a few times - when I pressed the clutch while turning in the neighborhood, the car would feel a bit drifty, which was nerve-wracking. The correct approach is to adjust the gear in advance, selecting the appropriate speed gear before entering the turn. Then relax your grip on the steering wheel during the turn, maintain steady throttle, and let engine braking help you navigate smoothly. Safety first! Don't take turns lightly, especially on mountain roads or in heavy traffic. Avoiding the clutch is not only safer but also more fuel-efficient.

[OAmara]

From a mechanical principle perspective, the clutch serves to disconnect the engine from the transmission, primarily used during vehicle start-up or gear shifting. However, depressing the clutch while cornering is strongly discouraged, as it causes the drive wheels to lose engine braking force and stability support, potentially putting the vehicle into a coasting state and increasing the risk of loss of control. This practice also imposes additional wear on the steering system and tires. Consider that during high-speed cornering, engine braking helps maintain traction and control; if gear shifting is absolutely necessary, it should be completed on straight sections. My experience suggests: minimize clutch usage and rely more on engine assistance for smoother, lower-risk driving.