What is the correct method for depressing the clutch?

[DeNoah]

The correct method for depressing the clutch is: 1. Quickly lift the pedal at the beginning of the release, then slightly slow down the lifting speed when the clutch reaches the semi-engagement point; 2. During the process from engagement to full connection, gradually lift the pedal; 3. While lifting the clutch pedal, gradually press the accelerator pedal according to the engine resistance to ensure a smooth start. The clutch pedal should be controlled using the ball of the foot. When depressing the clutch pedal, place the ball of the foot on the pedal with the heel touching the ground, and keep the knee slightly bent when the clutch is fully depressed. The clutch is located inside the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission. The clutch assembly is secured to the rear plane of the flywheel with screws, and the output shaft of the clutch is the input shaft of the transmission.

[Cupid]

I've been driving for seven or eight years and am quite skilled with manual transmissions. When it comes to pressing the clutch, it's all about keeping your heel grounded—don't let it hover. Place the ball of your left foot squarely in the middle of the pedal, as if stepping on a thick piece of dough. When starting, slowly release the clutch to the bite point—you'll feel the steering wheel slightly vibrate and the engine sound grow muffled. Then, gently apply the gas with your right foot while gradually lifting your left foot off the clutch. The key is to use your whole leg for control, not just your ankle, or your calf might cramp in traffic. Always press the clutch all the way down when shifting—think of it like cracking a walnut, quick and decisive. After each shift, let the pedal spring back naturally; don't keep it pressed as a makeshift brake, or you'll wear out the release bearing. Good habits like these can save you thousands in repairs.

[KayleeLee]

After teaching driving for over a decade, I've found beginners most commonly make three mistakes: either their heels aren't steady, causing unstable clutch control; or they stomp too hard on the accelerator during partial engagement, making the car lurch frighteningly; or they release the clutch too quickly on hill starts, stalling the engine. The correct technique is to adjust your seating position properly, then use your thigh to drive your calf downward when pressing. It's basic knowledge to fully depress the clutch when shifting gears, but many struggle to find the sweet spot for partial engagement—listen for the engine sound becoming deeper and watch the tachometer needle dip slightly. In city traffic, avoid riding the clutch in partial engagement—stop completely when needed. When practicing hill starts, engage the handbrake, slowly release the clutch until the car's nose lifts slightly, then release the handbrake—this guarantees no rollback. Remember, clutch discs aren't cheap!

[BradleyFitz]

When I first got my driver's license, I kept stalling. An experienced driver taught me to press the center of the clutch pedal with the ball of my foot, using my heel as a pivot on the ground. Starting requires patience—slowly lift your foot to feel the car shudder, give it a bit of gas to stabilize, then fully release. Gear shifting is all about synchronizing hands and feet: press the clutch all the way down to shift, and release it smoothly like setting down a cup of hot water. The worst is half-hearted operation, forcing the gear lever without fully depressing the clutch—the grinding sound is painful to hear. I remember once being stuck on a slope, riding the clutch until I smelled burning, and it cost me 800 bucks to fix! So, when you need to press it down, don’t hesitate; when it’s time to release, don’t linger.