
Manual transmission cars have the following braking methods: 1. Tap braking: Used when the speed does not meet the downshift requirement, commonly employed on highways. Tap braking can also serve as a warning to following vehicles that are too close by continuously tapping the brakes; 2. Quick light taps: When the speed is too high, the braking distance increases. It is necessary to first reduce the speed. Once the speed drops to around 20 kilometers per hour, press the clutch and brake to bring the car to a stop; 3. Intermittent brake pedal pressing: When stopping a vehicle traveling below 80 kilometers per hour, intermittently press the brake pedal to reduce the speed. Once the speed drops to approximately 20 kilometers per hour, press the clutch and perform the braking operation until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. During long-distance braking, it is essential to use the gears flexibly to avoid wear on the transmission.

I've been driving manual transmission for over a decade, so let me share some braking techniques with you. You need to operate according to your speed: at low speeds, press the clutch first and then brake to avoid stalling; at high speeds, brake first to slow down, and press the clutch when the speed drops to around 30 km/h to prevent engine drag. Never coast in neutral when braking downhill—always stay in a low gear to let the engine help control your speed. For emergency braking, stomp on the brake pedal while simultaneously pressing the clutch hard, regardless of the gear—safety comes first. When parking normally, lightly tap the brake first, then press the clutch fully as you come to a stop, and finally give a light tap on the brake to prevent rolling back. Remember to keep your right foot ready to brake at all times—developing good habits can save your life.

Braking with a manual transmission actually requires quite a bit of finesse. I've summarized a few key points from my own experience. First, judge the distance and start slowing down early. Second, apply the brake evenly and gently—no sudden stomps that jerk everyone forward and back. Third, keep an eye on the tachometer and downshift promptly as speed drops, especially on long downhill stretches where the engine will protest with a loud hum if the gear is too low. Most importantly, always remember to press the clutch while braking, or you'll stall in the middle of the road. And at high speeds, never get into the habit of pressing the clutch first, as it will lengthen your braking distance.

When I first got my driver's license, I kept stalling when braking. Later, my instructor taught me a trick: imagine your right foot drawing a triangle. First, lightly press the brake to slow down, and when the car shakes, immediately move your left foot to the clutch and press it all the way down. By this point, the car is almost stopped, then lightly tap the brake to stabilize it. Before turning, brake early to reduce speed, and once in the turn, avoid slamming on the brakes. On rainy days, you need to brake even more gently—tire skidding is no joke. Remember, manual transmission cars have an advantage: downshifting can help the engine assist in slowing down!


