Should You Shift Gear Before or After Pressing the Clutch?
2 Answers
Press the clutch before shifting gear. The correct procedure is to start the car, then press the clutch, shift into first gear, and release the clutch to begin moving. Below are some relevant materials about car operation: For manual transmission cars, pay attention to the following points: 1. Become proficient in pressing the clutch pedal through practice, ensuring stability. Develop good habits by pressing it all the way down and releasing it slowly. 2. Coordinate the throttle and clutch. When starting, shift into first gear first, then slowly release the clutch while adding throttle at the semi-clutch state. Only release the clutch completely once the car starts moving. 3. Master the timing of gear shifting. Shift gears when the engine speed is around 2000 RPM, first reducing the throttle and then pressing the clutch. 4. Change gears frequently during driving, selecting the appropriate gear based on speed and road conditions. Infrequent gear changes can easily lead to lugging or engine over-revving, increasing car wear and fuel consumption. Therefore, it's essential to develop the habit of frequent gear shifting. 5. Ensure smooth gear shifting actions. Press the clutch all the way down and shift gears in one motion. Familiarize yourself with the gear positions and practice to improve your feel for it.
Hey, this topic reminds me of driving my old car. I've been driving manual transmissions for over 20 years, and I can still clearly remember: before starting, you must first press the clutch pedal all the way down, then shift into first gear. This is done to disconnect the engine from the transmission, giving the gears space to shift. If you do it the other way around—shifting before pressing the clutch—you'll hear the harsh sound of gears grinding, which can lead to gear collision and deformation, and over time, the transmission will develop problems. Once you develop good habits, starting becomes much smoother—when the light turns green, press the clutch, shift, and give it gas, all in one smooth motion. When parking, don't rush to shift gears either; make sure to press the clutch first. This sequence not only protects the car but also makes driving safer, especially on slippery roads during rain or snow, to avoid accidents. Veteran drivers often say that the essence of manual transmission lies in clutch control.
