Should You Release the Throttle When Shifting Gears?
3 Answers
When shifting gears in a car, it is necessary to release the throttle. Here are specific details about the throttle: 1. Definition: The throttle, also known as the 'accelerator' or 'throttle valve,' is a control device that regulates the engine's power (thrust). 2. Working Principle: For gasoline engines, the throttle controls the opening of the throttle valve, affecting the engine's air intake. When the throttle is pressed, more fresh air enters, and the ECU increases the fuel injection accordingly, leading to greater combustion force and higher engine speed. 3. Causes of Abnormal Noises: Carbon buildup in the throttle valve; wear of the throttle pedal support pin; improper installation of the throttle cable.
As a veteran driver with thirty years of experience driving manual transmissions, I can tell you that you must release the accelerator when shifting gears. Before pressing the clutch each time, I habitually ease off the accelerator slightly to let the engine RPM drop first. This isn't just a rule taught in driving schools—it's practical operation to protect the transmission. Consistently shifting without releasing the accelerator will cause premature wear on the clutch plates and shock the transmission gears. This is especially important to note when rev-matching during downshifts, paying attention to the coordination between the accelerator and clutch. I recommend that beginners practice the timing of releasing and applying the accelerator in open areas, listening to the changes in the engine sound to get a feel for it. In fact, once you develop this habit, gear shifts will become exceptionally smooth, and passengers won't even feel any jerking.
As a manual transmission enthusiast, I'm highly qualified to answer this. When I first started learning to drive, my instructor kept scolding me for forgetting to release the throttle during gear shifts. After two months of practice in the suburbs, I finally understood that releasing the throttle is crucial for synchronizing engine RPM with transmission speed. Now when taking mountain curves, my right foot dances between the throttle and brake: I release throttle and downshift before entering the curve, then accelerate and upshift when exiting - the whole sequence flows smoothly. Remember: fully release the throttle and depress the clutch completely during gear shifts. Otherwise, you'll hear that heartbreaking clunk from the transmission!
