When parking without turning off the engine, should you release the clutch or the foot brake first?
2 Answers
You can release either one first, but it is generally recommended to release the clutch first. Below are the relevant explanations: 1. Operate slowly: When braking, pressing the clutch and brake slowly will prevent the engine from stalling. Additionally, during the vehicle's forward movement, the speed must also be slow to ensure that you have time to think about any operation if you are not yet proficient. 2. Only release the clutch and brake pedals after shifting to neutral: If the vehicle is still in 1st gear, even if the car has come to a stop, releasing the clutch and brake too quickly can still cause the engine to stall due to the clutch being released too fast.
After driving a manual transmission car for so many years, my habit is to release the clutch first before handling the foot brake when parking without turning off the engine. Once the car comes to a complete stop, I immediately shift to neutral, then release the clutch pedal with my left foot to ensure the clutch is fully disengaged. This not only allows my left foot to rest but also prevents prolonged pressure on the clutch, which could lead to overheating and damage to the bearing. When parking on a slope, I pull the steering wheel to confirm the handbrake is securely engaged before releasing the foot brake. I remember once being stuck in traffic on an overpass for half an hour, constantly riding the clutch, and the clutch plate ended up burning with a scorched smell. Another advantage of releasing the clutch first is being ready to start at any moment, avoiding getting honked at by cars behind due to slow operation.
