What Happens If You Don't Release the Throttle When Shifting Gears?
2 Answers
If you don't release the throttle when shifting gears, the engine RPM will suddenly become very high when the clutch is depressed. When you release the clutch after shifting, the car will noticeably jerk, and it can also cause some damage to the engine and transmission. When accelerating, you can: Downshift or upshift as needed. For example, upshift when reaching 1800 RPM. To accelerate during this process, you can slightly ease off the throttle but don't release it completely—or even keep it pressed. The RPM will naturally rise when passing through neutral gear. Handling the situation: If you encounter a throttle pedal issue while driving a new car, don't panic. Firmly press the brake pedal to bring the car to a complete stop, then turn off the engine and contact for assistance.
As someone who has been passionate about automotive mechanics for many years, I believe that shifting gears without releasing the throttle is like forcing the engine and transmission into a brutal showdown—causing severe damage. The reason is simple: when the throttle is still pressed, the engine is spinning wildly and delivering power. If you forcibly engage a new gear, it causes excessive friction and heat on the clutch plates, sometimes resulting in harsh grinding noises or even shattering the gears. Driving like this long-term will wear out transmission components prematurely, leading to repairs costing thousands of dollars. It also affects driving smoothness, causing jerky starts and sluggish acceleration. In short, this habit harms both the driver and the car. It's best to develop the habit of releasing the throttle before shifting and then pressing the clutch—protecting your beloved vehicle while saving on repair costs, making it both safe and economical.
