What happens when you press both the brake and clutch together

[DelTimothy]

The following is a detailed analysis of the specific situation: 1. When the vehicle speed decreases or during short-distance braking while pressing both pedals: If you stop pressing the accelerator and the vehicle speed drops to a certain level, pressing only the brake without the clutch will cause the car to stall. 2. Higher speeds or long-distance braking do not require pressing the clutch: When the car is moving at high speed, due to inertia, the wheel rotation speed remains very high. In this case, pressing only the brake (referring to gentle braking, not slamming the brake pedal all the way down) without pressing the clutch will not cause the vehicle to stall. Especially when going downhill for a long distance, pressing the clutch would actually eliminate the engine's braking effect.

[McChase]

Having driven manual transmission cars for decades, simultaneously pressing the brake and clutch has become a deeply ingrained habit for me. This operation, especially before stopping, prevents engine stalling and ensures smooth deceleration. I remember when I was younger and drove frequently in the city with many traffic lights, this method saved a lot of hassle. However, I later noticed that the clutch plates wore out faster, leading to more frequent repairs. If I only press the brake without the clutch, the engine might suddenly stop, causing a loss of braking power, which is even more dangerous during emergency braking. Therefore, I now use this method only when necessary, such as on slopes or in traffic jams. Normally, I brake first when decelerating and then handle the clutch, which extends the lifespan of the components and also saves some fuel costs.

[Devin]

When I first started learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized pressing the brake and clutch together, saying it prevents stalling and rolling back, especially useful during hill starts. In practice, it indeed works well, reducing panic, particularly in sudden braking situations. However, after driving for a few months, I realized doing this constantly puts excessive load on the clutch, and engine idling also consumes fuel. While convenient, it's not always necessary, such as when slowing down on flat roads—you can brake first and then shift gears. Now, I treat it as an emergency technique and optimize my daily driving operations to be more vehicle-friendly.

[NovaLynn]

In a manual transmission car, pressing both the brake and clutch simultaneously primarily disengages power transmission, allowing the vehicle to slow down using the brakes and preventing engine stalling. The advantage is that it's simple and safe to operate, making it easy for beginners to master. However, potential issues include: prolonged use may cause the clutch plate to overheat and wear out, and increase the burden on the braking system, especially in stop-and-go city traffic. It is recommended to prioritize braking when slowing down, and gently press the clutch to shift into neutral before coming to a complete stop, as this better protects the components. It's fine to use this method occasionally during emergency braking, but avoid making it a habitual operation.