Why Do We Keep Pressing the Clutch While Learning to Drive?
2 Answers
When learning to drive, we usually don't press the accelerator, drive slowly in first gear, and don't need to shift gears. Only the clutch provides power to the car—pressing it fully cuts off power, while releasing it gradually supplies power. That's why we keep pressing the clutch while learning to drive. Here's more about the clutch: 1. Clutch location: The clutch is housed in the flywheel casing between the engine and the transmission, secured to the rear plane of the flywheel with screws. The output shaft of the clutch is the input shaft of the transmission. 2. Clutch function: While driving, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily disconnect or gradually engage the engine and transmission, cutting off or transferring engine power to the transmission. The clutch is a common component in mechanical transmission systems, allowing the drivetrain to be separated or engaged at any time.
During driving school, instructors often have us keep the clutch pedal depressed, which is related to the learning stage. When first getting behind the wheel, the coordination between hands and feet is still unfamiliar, and poor speed control can easily lead to accidents. In the semi-engaged state where the clutch is partially depressed and released, the wheel power is intermittent, making the speed as slow as walking, which provides enough time to adjust direction during reverse parking or parallel parking. Especially since all test items have speed limits below 5 km/h, fully releasing the clutch would cause the car to lurch forward and cross the line. I remember during hill starts, the instructor would yell the loudest about 'holding the clutch steady,' as lifting it slightly too fast would stall the engine. Of course, this is just transitional training. Once you can drive, you'll realize that prolonged semi-clutch driving harms the car, wasting fuel and wearing out the clutch disc.
