Should You Release the Throttle When Upshifting?
3 Answers
When upshifting, you should release the throttle. During gear shifting, you need to fully release the throttle while pressing the clutch, then change the gear. Release the clutch to the semi-engaged position while simultaneously applying throttle. Remember the principle: accelerate before upshifting and decelerate before downshifting. Before upshifting, smoothly press the accelerator pedal according to road and traffic conditions to gradually increase the vehicle speed. This process is called "momentum building." The key to smooth upshifting lies in the degree of momentum building, and the distance for momentum building should be determined by the gear being shifted into. The higher the gear, the longer the momentum-building distance required. After shifting into a higher gear, quickly lift the clutch pedal to the semi-engaged position, pause slightly, and then slowly release it to ensure smooth power transfer and avoid jerking the vehicle forward after shifting.
When driving a manual transmission, you must release the throttle when upshifting. For example, if you're in second gear and reach 30 km/h ready to shift to third gear, you need to first lift your right foot off the accelerator, simultaneously press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot, move the gear lever to the third gear position with your right hand, then gradually release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator. This ensures smooth gear changes. Otherwise, the engine will whine as it revs freely, and the car will jerk forward. I've seen many beginners shift gears without fully depressing the clutch, causing a loud crunch from the transmission—repairs can cost thousands. Remember this rhyme: 'Clutch in, shift, clutch out, throttle in.' Practice it a few times to build muscle memory. For optimal shift timing, watch the tachometer—around 2000 RPM is ideal for fuel efficiency and engine longevity.
Releasing the throttle is a necessary action for upshifting, and the reason is simple: the engine and transmission need to decouple to shift gears. When the throttle is pressed, the engine delivers power, and shifting directly is like changing shoes while running—you’re bound to stumble. The correct operation for a manual transmission must follow these five steps: release the throttle, press the clutch, shift gears, release the clutch, and then apply throttle again. Automatic transmission drivers might not notice, as the computer handles the throttle release for us. If your manual car always jerks during shifts, it’s likely because you released the throttle too late, especially noticeable when shifting uphill. I prefer shifting around 2,500 RPM, as this range offers the smoothest shifts and extends the clutch plate’s lifespan.
