What is the correct way to press the clutch and brake?
3 Answers
If driving on the highway at high speed and encountering an emergency situation ahead, immediate braking is necessary. You should press the brake first and then the clutch. If driving in congested areas where the speed is generally slow, the driver should press the clutch first and then the brake to avoid stalling the vehicle. When driving on regular roads at moderate speeds with the gear in 3rd or higher, it is recommended to lightly tap the brake a few times before pressing the clutch. During reversing when the speed is very low, the safest method is to press the brake first and then the clutch just before coming to a complete stop.
I remember when I first learned to drive, my instructor taught me to always press the clutch pedal first to disconnect the power before slowing down or stopping, and then gradually press the brake pedal to decelerate. Otherwise, the car might suddenly stall, which could be troublesome, and the steering wheel could become heavy and lose control. At traffic lights, I got into the habit of shifting to a lower gear in advance, lightly pressing the clutch, and then smoothly braking to a stop before immediately shifting to neutral to give my foot a rest. When starting, I slowly release the clutch while giving a bit of throttle to find the biting point and ensure the car moves smoothly. After practicing a few times, this method helped me stay calm during hill starts, avoiding jerky movements. Now, driving a manual transmission car feels effortless. The key is to develop the habit and never forget the clutch action.
Driving frequently in the city with constant stops and starts, my trick is to press the clutch first and then coordinate with the brake. When slowing down, avoid stomping both pedals hard simultaneously, otherwise the car will jerk uncomfortably, and passengers will complain. When coming to a complete stop, always press the clutch first before braking firmly and shifting to neutral—this saves fuel and reduces wear. During starts, control the clutch's half-engagement point, gradually lifting while applying throttle; don't rush to push the accelerator, or the engine will roar while the car barely moves. Pay extra attention to this sequence in rain or snow to maintain traction and pass safely. These small details have kept my car running like new for years, saving me a lot on repairs.
