Why Shouldn't You Press the Clutch and Accelerator Simultaneously?
2 Answers
Pressing the clutch and accelerator together is ineffective. Engaging the clutch is equivalent to shifting into neutral, rendering any accelerator input useless and wasting fuel. After driving for a while, you'll find that when upshifting, you should first fully depress the clutch, then release the accelerator, and gradually release the clutch while slowly applying throttle to prevent the car from jerking. Below are some taboos for starting a car: 1. Avoid unstable starts: Starting is the first step in vehicle operation. A proper start should be smooth and safe, with the correct driving posture—eyes on the road ahead and both sides, not looking down at the controls. Ensure no lurching, shaking, stalling, or intermittent surging occurs during startup. 2. Avoid inappropriate gear selection: The choice of starting gear depends on specific conditions like road surface and slope. Generally, use 1st or 2nd gear on flat, solid roads or grounds. In extreme cold, loose soil, or uphill conditions, always start in 1st gear. Similarly, use 1st gear on icy, snowy, or muddy roads, and clear any snow, mud, or spread sand under the wheels for better traction.
I often drive manual transmission cars, so let's talk about why you shouldn't press the clutch and accelerator simultaneously. The clutch's function is to disconnect the engine from the wheels, making gear shifts easier, while the accelerator increases engine RPM. If you press both at the same time, it's like having the engine revving loudly while the car isn't moving—this not only wastes fuel but also increases wear on engine components. Over time, the clutch disc can get burnt out. Even worse, suddenly releasing the clutch at high RPM can cause the car to jerk violently, potentially damaging the transmission or leading to loss of control. I've seen many people operate this way, only to end up with hefty repair bills. The correct method is to quickly press the clutch to shift gears, then simultaneously release the clutch while gradually pressing the accelerator to ensure smooth movement. This way, driving is both safer and more economical.
