When Should You Press the Clutch Pedal?

[DiPiper]

Generally, you need to press the clutch pedal when starting the car and shifting gears. Below is a detailed introduction to situations requiring clutch pedal operation: When starting the car: The key points of operating the clutch pedal when starting are: quick, slow, and coordinated. Specifically, lift the pedal quickly at the beginning, slow down slightly when the clutch reaches the semi-engaged state, and then gradually lift the pedal as it moves from engagement to full connection. Simultaneously, gradually press the accelerator pedal according to the engine resistance to ensure a smooth start. When shifting gears while driving: When shifting gears, the clutch pedal should be pressed and released quickly, avoiding semi-engagement, as this can accelerate clutch wear. Additionally, ensure proper coordination with the accelerator pedal during operation.

[VanJace]

As a veteran driver with 15 years of experience, I've summarized several key scenarios where pressing the clutch is essential. If you don't press the clutch when starting, the car will shake violently like being pulled by a rope and then stall; pressing the clutch while shifting gears allows the gears to separate, just like two rotating gears need to briefly disengage to mesh with a new gear ratio; pressing the clutch five seconds before stopping at a red light cuts off power, preventing the engine from stalling as if being choked; pressing the clutch before hitting a large pothole avoids the wheel impact force damaging the transmission. Last week, my cousin forgot to press the clutch while learning to drive, and the car jerked and shook like a sieve when braking. Remember these four points, which cover 90% of scenarios, especially in stop-and-go city traffic.

[Nadine]

While working as a driving instructor, I've noticed that beginners often neglect clutch operation before turns. For instance, when approaching a right turn, the clutch should be depressed the moment speed drops to 20km/h - this makes downshifting to 2nd gear as smooth as butter. During slow-moving traffic, the sweet spot for clutch plate preservation is engaging the clutch pedal two-thirds of the way down. I often tell students to imagine their foot dancing on eggshells. On long descents, you can fully release the clutch, but must combine it with engine braking in lower gears. Last time, a student forced reverse gear without depressing the clutch - the gearbox's scream was so horrific it nearly made the neighboring instructor drop his thermos.

[DiNathan]

Mountain driving experience has taught me that starting on steep slopes requires perfect coordination between the clutch and throttle. The moment you release the handbrake, your left foot should gradually lift the clutch like an acupuncturist twisting a needle, while your right foot simultaneously applies throttle until the tachometer reaches 1500 rpm. The worst scenario is encountering traffic jams on steep slopes, where the left foot basically stays in the semi-engaged state, and I always remind myself to keep my right foot ready to brake at any moment. Downshifting on continuous curves further tests footwork—every hairpin turn is a tango between the clutch and gear lever. Last month on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, I saw an SUV's transmission emit smoke directly after shifting without depressing the clutch.