Why Do Driving School Cars Need to Keep the Clutch Pedal Depressed?
2 Answers
When learning to drive, the accelerator is generally not used. The car moves slowly in first gear without needing to shift, with only the clutch providing power. Depressing the clutch fully cuts off power, while releasing it partially provides corresponding power. For hill starts, some older cars may require pressing the accelerator to climb, while better-performing cars can manage just by releasing the clutch. Below is relevant information: 1. Function of the Clutch: Ensuring smooth car starts: After the engine starts and before the car begins to move, the clutch pedal is first depressed to disengage the clutch, separating the engine from the drivetrain. The transmission is then shifted into gear, and the clutch pedal is gradually released to engage the clutch. During this engagement process, the resistance torque on the engine gradually increases, so the accelerator pedal should be pressed simultaneously to gradually increase fuel supply, keeping the engine speed at the lowest stable level to prevent stalling. As the clutch engagement tightens, the torque transmitted from the engine to the drive wheels via the drivetrain gradually increases until the traction force is sufficient to overcome the starting resistance, allowing the car to move from rest and accelerate smoothly. 2. Achieving smooth gear shifts: During driving, to adapt to changing conditions, the drivetrain frequently needs to shift between different gears. Shifting in a manual transmission typically involves moving gears or other shifting mechanisms to disengage one gear pair and engage another. Before shifting, the clutch pedal must be depressed to interrupt power transmission, facilitating the disengagement of the current gear pair and allowing the new gear pair to synchronize speeds gradually. This significantly reduces engagement shock, enabling smooth gear shifts.
When I first learned to drive a manual transmission, the instructor had me keep the clutch pedal depressed constantly. At first, it felt extremely uncomfortable, and my ankle even went numb. It turns out that beginners often make mistakes when starting or shifting gears. If you release the clutch too quickly, the car can stall instantly or even lurch forward, which could lead to collisions at intersections or in parking lots. Keeping the clutch depressed allows the engine to idle, preventing the car from moving unexpectedly and giving us time to gradually get used to the clutch's engagement point and speed control. It acts like a safety buffer, helping us develop coordination during practice, especially when starting on a slope to prevent rolling back. Once you master the technique, it becomes less tiring, but this habit in the early stages can prevent many embarrassing and dangerous situations. Thinking back, I'm really grateful for the instructor's guidance. In short, this approach makes the learning process smoother and reduces stress during the beginner phase.
