Should You Release the Clutch Before Stepping on the Accelerator?
2 Answers
No, you can step on the accelerator while releasing the clutch. Here is the relevant information: 1. Clutch and Throttle Coordination: When starting a manual transmission car, you need to release the clutch and step on the accelerator simultaneously, which is called clutch and throttle coordination. 2. Adjustment: Proper clutch and throttle coordination should be adjusted according to the vehicle speed. During the starting phase, place the gear in neutral, start the engine, press the clutch pedal, shift into first gear, slowly release the clutch, and coordinate with the accelerator pedal to ensure a smooth start. 3. Attention: The clutch pedal must be fully depressed when pressed. While slowly releasing the clutch pedal, feel the vehicle's vibration and movement tendency. When the vehicle shows slight vibration and a tendency to move, gently apply the accelerator while continuing to slowly release the clutch pedal until it is fully released, ensuring a smooth start. 4. Gear Shifting: Clutch and throttle coordination is equally important when shifting gears while the vehicle is in motion.
When I first learned manual transmission, my instructor told me it's not a strict sequence. Releasing the clutch and pressing the accelerator should be coordinated like dancing. For example, when starting, if you only release the clutch without giving it gas, the car tends to stall; or if you just press the accelerator without releasing the clutch, the engine idles and wastes fuel. When I drive, I usually lightly tap the accelerator while partially releasing the clutch, allowing the power to engage naturally for a smooth start. The same goes for shifting gears—after pressing the clutch and shifting, slightly giving it some gas while releasing the clutch helps match the RPM and avoids jerking. With a few more practices, you'll develop a feel for the car, and once coordinated, the driving experience becomes smooth, especially important in traffic jams. The key is synchronizing the movements, not strictly following a sequence. Remember this technique, and driving manual won't be a worry anymore.
