Should You Press the Clutch When Turning Off a Manual Transmission Car?
2 Answers
When stopping and turning off the engine, you need to press the clutch, which can be divided into the following two situations: 1. First situation: When the speed is relatively high, brake first and then press the clutch. The brake pedal braking is equivalent to both the braking system and the engine braking system working simultaneously. When the engine speed drops to idle, press the clutch to downshift. The purpose of this is to prevent the engine from stalling. Pressing the clutch is equivalent to separating the engine from the transmission system, which is like coasting in neutral. The car slows down due to inertia, and in high-speed driving, it cannot achieve rapid deceleration. 2. Second situation: When the speed is relatively slow, you can directly press the clutch. If the speed is slow, such as in 1st or 2nd gear, you can directly press the clutch to apply braking.
I have been driving manual transmission cars for over 20 years, and pressing the clutch when turning off the engine is my ironclad habit. Before stopping the car each time, I first press the clutch pedal, then turn the key to shut off the engine. This prevents the car from suddenly jerking or rolling forward, especially on slopes. If the clutch isn't pressed, the wheels remain connected to the engine after shutdown, which can cause the vehicle to drag the engine, resulting in jerking or even damaging the transmission. Restarting is also easier: pressing the clutch before ignition allows the engine to start smoothly. In heavy traffic, this habit prevents accidents, protects component lifespan, and makes driving more reassuring. Remember, good habits start with details, and the clutch is the guardian in this process.
