What happens when you press the accelerator while depressing the clutch?
2 Answers
Pressing the accelerator while depressing the clutch will cause clutch wear, increase engine speed, amplify noise, but the vehicle won't move. Prolonged operation with the engine speed indicator in the red zone may lead to engine seizure. Here's the correct procedure: 1. After starting the engine, depress the clutch pedal, engage the gear, and release the handbrake. 2. Apply slight throttle while gradually releasing the clutch. The key technique is: gradually release the clutch with your left foot while simultaneously increasing throttle with your right foot. When you hear (primarily feel) the engine speed drop, continue releasing the clutch while progressively increasing throttle. 3. After fully releasing the clutch, maintain steady throttle. 4. Once the vehicle gains speed and you sense sufficient engine RPM reserve, you may proceed to shift gears.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for a long time, so I'm very familiar with this situation. When you press the clutch pedal, if you simultaneously step on the gas pedal, the engine RPM will instantly skyrocket, sounding like a race car revving up, but the car won't move at all. This happens because the clutch disconnects the engine from the transmission, preventing power from reaching the wheels—it's just pure idle waste of fuel. I've tried it once or twice out of boredom at red lights, resulting in the tachometer needle shooting up high, the engine roaring loudly, and even steaming from overheating. Prolonged periods of this can cause significant engine wear, accelerating the aging of components like piston rings and valves. For a normal start, you should gradually release the clutch first and then gently press the gas pedal to allow smooth power transfer. Occasionally revving the engine at high RPM can help clear some carbon deposits, but don't overdo it—damaging your car isn't worth it. Be smart when driving; these small habits add up and affect fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
