When to Press the Clutch Pedal?
3 Answers
When to press the clutch pedal: 1. Before starting the car, press the clutch pedal to disengage the clutch, separating the engine from the transmission system, then shift into first gear and gradually release the clutch pedal to engage the clutch smoothly; 2. Press the clutch during braking. During emergency braking, without pressing the clutch, excessive load beyond the transmission system's capacity may cause damage to mechanical components; 3. Press the clutch when shifting gears. While driving, to adapt to changing conditions, the transmission system often needs to shift between different gears. Before shifting, the clutch pedal must be pressed to interrupt power transmission, significantly reducing the impact during gear engagement and ensuring smooth shifting; 4. Press the clutch when slowing down before stopping. When the vehicle speed drops below 20 km/h, you can press the clutch to stop, as this speed is already safe.
After driving for ten years, I've summarized four crucial moments for clutch operation. Starting off is self-explanatory - releasing too quickly risks stalling, which is most embarrassing. Gear shifts demand full depression, especially from 1st to 2nd where RPM drops rapidly. When stopping at traffic lights, depressing around 15 km/h protects the transmission. Parking requires frequent modulation - finding the biting point while coordinating with brakes ensures stability. Last week, I witnessed a novice roll backward into a wall during hill start without clutch control. New drivers must remember these four lifesaving techniques.
In the driving school, instructors always emphasize three key points to new students: The clutch is not the brake pedal! You must press it all the way down before shifting gears, or the gear grinding noise will damage the car. When emergency braking, never press the clutch first—step on the brake to slow down to 20 km/h before disengaging the clutch to cut off power. For regular stops like red lights lasting over 15 seconds, press the clutch and shift to neutral to avoid left foot cramps. Oh, and for U-turns or sharp turns, 2nd gear is ideal—shift with the clutch first, then steer smoothly.
