When shifting gears, should you press the clutch first or release the accelerator first?
3 Answers
When shifting gears, you should first release the accelerator. Below is an introduction to related shifting content: Gear and speed must match: When the speed corresponds to the gear, the vehicle's performance is at its best, and the thermal efficiency of the fuel is highest. If the speed and gear do not match, such as high speed with low gear or low speed with high gear, it will not only increase fuel consumption but also cause irreversible damage to the engine and transmission. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a proper match between gear and speed while driving. Precautions for shifting gears: Beginners should not only master the timing of shifting as quickly as possible but also learn the correct hand gesture for shifting. When shifting, keep your fingers together, lightly grip the gear knob, and use your forearm to guide your hand in shifting. Apply gentle and slow force when shifting to avoid accidentally engaging the wrong gear. Always pause in neutral before shifting, and if you select the wrong gear, stay calm—simply return to the original gear and shift again.
When shifting gears, I always release the accelerator before pressing the clutch, a habit I've developed over a decade. Back when I first started driving, I often got the sequence wrong, like pressing the clutch before releasing the accelerator, which caused the engine RPM to surge and the car to lurch forward and then stall, making it prone to stalling and unsafe. The correct method is to lightly release the accelerator to reduce power output, quickly press the clutch to shift when the engine RPM drops, and finally release the clutch while gently applying the accelerator. This coordination ensures smooth power transmission, protecting the clutch plates and transmission from impact damage, especially important on mountain roads or when carrying heavy loads. After years of driving manual cars, I've learned that good habits extend the lifespan of components and save fuel. Beginners are advised to practice more on flat roads to develop muscle memory and avoid panic-induced mistakes. Occasionally forgetting the sequence isn't a big deal, as modern cars have protective measures, but forming the correct sequence is key to improving driving quality.
As racing enthusiasts, our circle discusses shifting techniques quite often. My experience is that gear shifting must follow the correct sequence: first release the throttle to reduce engine load, then quickly depress the clutch to complete the shift. If this isn't done properly—for instance, depressing the clutch without releasing the throttle—the engine will rev excessively, causing jerks that affect acceleration and even fuel consumption. I always pay special attention to this coordination when driving a manual car, ensuring smooth operation whether commuting in the city or driving on highways, which helps reduce component wear. During driving lessons, instructors always emphasize the coordination between throttle and clutch. With practice, you can avoid car jolts or stalling, maintaining vehicle stability.
