When Reversing, Should You Release the Clutch or Brake First?
2 Answers
Release the brake first, and control the speed with the clutch throughout. Here are some relevant tips for reversing: 1. Precautions: Whether you're a beginner or an experienced driver, this is a must-know. Not only should you avoid pressing the accelerator while reversing, but you should also avoid half-pressing the brake. Especially for beginners, it's essential to drive at a speed slower than idle speed. This allows more time to observe the surroundings. 2. Basic essentials: When parking in a parking lot, first estimate the width of the parking space, check for any obstacles behind, whether there are cars parked on either side, and if the length suits your vehicle. If visibility is poor at night, step out to check the exact position before reversing.
When I first learned to drive a manual transmission, reversing was always a mess. My instructor taught me to first release the brake slightly to control the speed, letting the car roll a bit, and then gently release the clutch to the semi-engaged state. If I released the clutch first, the car would easily stall or jerk, especially when turning in a parking space. Reversing on a slope was even harder—I had to keep my foot on the brake and slowly coordinate the operation to avoid rolling back or hitting something. At first, I often made mistakes, causing the clutch to grind loudly, but after more practice, I got the hang of it. I recommend beginners find an open space to practice repeatedly about ten times—it’s safer and less stressful. Over time, you’ll find reversing is actually quite simple, so don’t be afraid of mistakes.
