Why Step on the Clutch When Braking?

[DeKate]

When braking, there is no need to step on the clutch first. Utilize engine braking to fully decelerate, and then press the clutch at low speeds to prevent the engine from stalling. The functions of the car clutch: 1. Ensure smooth starting: Before starting, the car is stationary. If the engine and transmission are rigidly connected, once a gear is engaged, the car will suddenly lurch forward due to the abrupt connection of power. This not only causes damage to mechanical components but also makes the driving force insufficient to overcome the huge inertia generated by the sudden forward movement, leading to a rapid drop in engine speed and stalling. 2. Facilitate gear shifting: During driving, different transmission gears are frequently used to adapt to changing driving conditions. Without the clutch temporarily disconnecting the engine from the transmission, the meshed force-transmitting gears in the transmission would be difficult to separate due to the high pressure between their meshing surfaces caused by the unrelieved load. 3. Prevent overload in the transmission system: During emergency braking, the wheels suddenly decelerate sharply, while the transmission system connected to the engine maintains its original speed due to rotational inertia. This often generates an inertial torque in the transmission system far greater than the engine torque, making the transmission components prone to damage.

[Jessie]

Having driven manual transmission cars for over twenty years, I've concluded that pressing the clutch while braking is primarily to prevent stalling. Think about it - when the car is about to stop, the engine is still running. Suddenly cutting the throttle while being held back by the brakes can easily cause a stall. New drivers especially often forget to depress the clutch at red lights, resulting in the car shuddering to a stall when they brake. Additionally, braking without the clutch during low-speed turns can easily stall the engine, which is why experienced drivers develop the habit of always pressing the clutch when braking. In emergency situations, pressing both pedals simultaneously provides more direct braking effect, but remember not to depress the clutch when going downhill - you need engine braking to help control speed.

[DiEvangeline]

I was chatting with a mechanic before, and he said frequent stalling is particularly harmful to the engine, as the starter motor has to operate again each time. Pressing the clutch pedal disconnects the engine from the wheels, so when decelerating to a near stop, the engine isn't abruptly forced to halt. Especially in stop-and-go traffic, if you let the engine bear the brunt every time you brake, the clutch disc wears out faster. I'm in the habit of pressing the clutch pedal when the speed drops to around 20 km/h, which makes stopping smoother and starting up more seamless. Of course, during emergency braking on the highway, you should brake first and then disengage the clutch to avoid stalling due to a rapid speed drop.

[KeeganLee]

As a beginner, I learned the hard way when I stalled the car at an intersection by only pressing the brake without the clutch, earning angry honks from behind. Later I realized the engine stalls when RPM drops below idle speed. This is especially crucial for manual transmissions during low-speed maneuvers—you need to coordinate clutch and brake in half-clutch situations. I've noticed driving instructors repeatedly emphasize keeping the left foot ready to depress the clutch when decelerating. Additionally, simultaneously pressing brake and clutch prevents wheel lock-up on wet roads. Though modern cars have ABS, developing this habit makes driving more composed.