Should You Release the Throttle When Shifting Up?
2 Answers
When shifting up in a car, you need to release the throttle, otherwise the engine will rev excessively. Below are the functions and usage precautions of the throttle: Functions of the throttle: The main function of the car throttle is to accelerate the vehicle. Without pressing the throttle, the car will maintain its original speed, which is very slow. Therefore, the primary role of the throttle is to provide acceleration. The more you press the throttle, the greater the fuel intake of the engine, and the faster the car will go. Precautions for using the throttle: For new drivers, when acceleration is not needed during driving, the foot should be promptly placed on the brake pedal to avoid mistakenly pressing the throttle instead of the brake in an emergency, which could be dangerous. When accelerating, do not press the throttle all the way down. For automatic transmission cars, pressing the throttle all the way down may cause the transmission to automatically downshift.
Yes, when upshifting in a manual transmission car, it's generally necessary to release the accelerator. Having driven for over ten years, I've noticed that if the accelerator is still pressed while the clutch is disengaged, the engine RPM becomes too high, resulting in a harsh grinding noise or body vibration during gear shifts, which is quite uncomfortable. The moment you release the accelerator, the engine load decreases, and the RPM drops, allowing for a smoother transition into the new gear. I remember on highways during traffic jams, frequent gear shifts were required—releasing the accelerator before shifting not only saved fuel but also protected the transmission. New drivers often rush to accelerate by pressing the gas, leading to rough gear changes, but with practice, it becomes a habit. From a technical perspective, this helps balance power delivery.
