Why shouldn't you press the clutch in an S-curve?
3 Answers
You shouldn't press the clutch when turning because it will increase the vehicle's speed. Pressing the clutch separates the engine from the transmission system, which is equivalent to shifting into neutral. The function of the clutch: The clutch, as the name suggests, serves to separate and connect. How the clutch works: The driving part and the driven part of the clutch transmit torque through friction between contact surfaces, or use liquid as a transmission medium (hydraulic coupling), or use magnetic transmission (electromagnetic clutch), allowing temporary separation and gradual engagement, while permitting mutual rotation between the two parts during transmission.
I've been teaching driving for over twenty years and always emphasize to my students never to depress the clutch in S-curves. The main issue is that exam rules strictly prohibit coasting in neutral - pressing the clutch for more than five seconds is directly judged as neutral gear, resulting in immediate failure. There's also a safety factor: the car needs stable power in curves. Depressing the clutch cuts off traction, making the car like a wild horse prone to uncontrolled acceleration. If the steering can't keep up, you'll cross the line. The steering wheel becoming heavier is another problem. Remember to keep your left foot maintaining the half-clutch position without releasing, gently rest your right foot on the brake to control speed, and slowly turn the wheel while focusing on reference points - this ensures smooth cornering. Developing muscle memory through regular practice is most important. The key to improving S-curve pass rates at our test site was breaking the habit of depressing the clutch.
After driving for over a decade, I've realized that pressing the clutch in S-curves is pure self-torture. When the car's power suddenly cuts off, the steering wheel becomes extremely heavy, requiring intense wrist effort to turn. A glance in the rearview mirror shows the wheels dangerously close to crossing the line, sending your heart racing. Especially on wet roads after rain, pressing the clutch makes the rear wheels lose stable traction, potentially causing sudden fishtailing. Novices often worry about excessive speed, but in reality, using the semi-engaged clutch with brakes can perfectly control speed—only when the throttle and clutch work together do you get engine braking effects. Don't make the exam mistake either: the system detects prolonged clutch use and fails you instantly. My cousin failed his test last time precisely because of this during our practice session.
