What is the correct way to press the clutch pedal?
2 Answers
The correct posture for pressing the clutch pedal is to place the ball of your foot on the pedal with your heel touching the ground. When the clutch is pressed to its lowest point, the knee should remain slightly bent. After pressing the clutch, quickly shift gears or successfully start the car, then slowly release the clutch. Below are related instructions for pressing the clutch: 1. When starting the car: Quickly press the clutch pedal all the way down, then rapidly release it to the half-engagement point. Simultaneously, gently press the accelerator to increase the engine speed, then slowly and lightly release the clutch. Pause slightly when reaching full engagement. 2. When downshifting: Reduce the speed until it matches the appropriate gear, then quickly press the clutch. Follow the principle of "one fast, two slow, three engagements" to control the clutch. When upshifting, increase the throttle to raise speed, then quickly press the clutch and gently and slowly release it. You may slightly press the accelerator during the gentle release of the clutch. 3. When stopping: Press the clutch when the car speed is below 15 KM/H, then use the brake to bring the car to a complete stop. After fully stopping, slowly release the clutch.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for twenty years, and operating the clutch pedal really requires some skill. The key is to press the pedal with the ball of your foot while keeping your heel firmly planted on the floor as a pivot point—this gives you precise control. When starting off, remember to depress quickly but release slowly, especially when reaching the biting point where you feel the car vibrate—pause slightly before continuing to release, similar to gradually releasing the brake pedal. Always depress the clutch fully when shifting gears; you should hear a distinct click to confirm it's fully engaged. Don't get lazy by resting your left foot on the pedal during normal driving, and never hold the clutch at the biting point while waiting at traffic lights—that's exactly how my neighbor burned out his clutch disc. Before stopping, always press the clutch first then the brake; develop this habit and your clutch will last ten years without issues.
