What is the correct way to depress the clutch when shifting gears?

[AylaAnn]

Here is the correct way to depress the clutch when shifting gears: 1. Three key points of clutch operation: fast, slow, and linkage. When lifting the clutch pedal, follow the operating principle of "fast first, slow second, and linkage third." When starting, the action of depressing the clutch pedal should be swift and thorough, pressing it all the way down to ensure complete separation of the clutch. 2. The so-called "fast first, slow second, and linkage third" means the process of lifting the clutch pedal is divided into three stages. Initially, lift it quickly. Once you feel the clutch pressure plate gradually engaging to the semi-linkage point, slow down the lifting speed. From semi-linkage to full engagement, the clutch pedal should be lifted slowly. 3. While lifting the clutch pedal, gradually depress the accelerator pedal according to the engine's power to ensure a smooth start. The throttle operation should be steady and appropriate, and you should only increase the throttle when the clutch is fully engaged.

[Kieran]

When I first started learning to drive, the most troublesome part was operating the clutch. The correct way to press it is actually quite simple: before shifting gears, you must press it all the way down, with the sole of your foot pressing directly to the bottom to ensure the clutch completely disengages the power transmission. After shifting gears, quickly lift your foot—don’t drag it slowly—to avoid slipping or vehicle shuddering. Remember to release the throttle simultaneously, or the car will jerk, making passengers uncomfortable. With a few more practices, you’ll get the rhythm, especially when starting—lightly pressing the throttle while quickly releasing the clutch. A common mistake beginners make is driving in a half-clutch state, which is the main cause of clutch plate wear. Over time, this can lead to expensive repairs. I used to make this mistake often at first, but gradually got used to pressing deep and releasing fast, making the drive much smoother.

[Anne]

Having driven for half a lifetime, I've summarized clutch operation in three words: press deep, release fast. Every time you shift gears, your foot must press the pedal all the way down to completely separate the engine from the transmission. Once the gear is engaged, release your foot immediately to reconnect the power—the action must be crisp and decisive. If you release too slowly, the car will make clunking noises or shake, which means you didn't press deep enough. Never hold the clutch down for long periods in traffic—that causes rapid wear. Whether in city driving or on the highway, maintaining this habit ensures smoother gear shifts and extends component life. I must say, the driving experience entirely depends on this technique, especially when starting uphill—quick pressing and releasing prevents rolling back.

[DiKira]

The correct way to depress the clutch is to fully press it down when shifting gears and then release it quickly. The purpose is to completely disconnect the power and then smoothly re-engage it. Never half-press the clutch, as this can cause the clutch disc to generate heat through friction and lead to damage. When shifting gears, simultaneously ease off the accelerator a bit. During practice, find an open space to practice starting and stopping, repeatedly pressing deeply and releasing quickly to get a feel for it. Smooth movements will result in smooth vehicle operation. Remember, this technique is crucial for protecting your car's components.