What are the consequences of pressing the clutch and brake together?
2 Answers
Pressing the clutch and brake together can damage the clutch and also harm the car's transmission. The clutch is located in the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission, and the clutch assembly is fixed to the rear plane of the flywheel with screws. The output shaft of the clutch is the input shaft of the transmission. While driving, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily separate or gradually engage the engine and transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the power from the engine to the transmission. The brake pedal is located below the steering wheel. Pressing the brake pedal causes the brake linkage to be pressurized and transmitted to the brake shoes on the brake drum, clamping the brake disc to slow down or stop the car.
Having driven manual transmission cars for decades, I've noticed many people habitually press both the clutch and brake simultaneously. This practice causes excessive friction and rapid wear on the clutch plates, halving their average lifespan and incurring replacement costs of several thousand yuan. It also increases the burden on the braking system, leading to overheating and deformation of brake pads, thereby raising maintenance frequency. With the engine idling continuously, fuel consumption rises by about 10% in city driving, making it economically inefficient. Safety-wise, pressing the clutch in emergencies cuts off power, potentially causing brake assist to disappear, extending stopping distances and increasing rear-end collision risks, especially on slopes or slippery surfaces. I recommend developing proper habits: when decelerating, first lightly press the brake to control speed, reduce to 20-30 km/h, then press the clutch to prepare for stopping or gear shifting - this protects components and ensures safe, reliable operation.
