When changing gears on a manual, do you release the clutch all the way before applying the gas?

Question

I just bought a manual transmission car and I got 1 hour lesson from a driving school just to understand the basics. The instructor said when in first gear, I have to release the clutch slowly and apply gas at the same time to keep the rev constant. However when changing from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd, he said to release the clutch slowly all the way and THEN apply the gas...is this true? After doing some reading, it seems whenever you need to shift, you should release the clutch and apply some gas at the same time.

Also, how do you rev match? How do you know what the rev should be compared to how fast you're going?

Answer 1

the clutch will 'take up' before it is fully out. this can be adjusted and should start connecting not far from the floor.

rev matching is very good and is what is achieved by 'double clutching' as race drivers do. this will reduce the drag on your gearbox when you change gears. this takes a bit of practice but most people don't do this. drive a car without synchro gears and you have to 'double clutch' but they probably don't exist today LOL

as you feel the clutch engage you should start applying pressure to the accelerator. driving is improved by being aware of the sound of your motor and knowing when to change gears by the sound .. you will also be able to judge the amount of rev to get 'rev matching' right.

don't just Drive a car - understand what you are doing (it is a leathal weapon) and what is happening with each action you take. I believe this will improve anyones driving.

Answer 2

Not true. If you do that the car will tend ot jerk you forward in the seat. You need to give it some gas while you release the clutch. Once you get some practice, you will know how much gas to give it. Don't worry, it's like riding a bicycle, once you learn then you'll never forget. It won't take too long either. If you can, find an empty shopping mall parking lot or some other deserted site, then go over there and practice going from 1st to 2nd and 3rd until you get a feel for it.

Answer 3

Both at the same time. Practice by revving the engine -- JUST A LITTLE -- and then very slowly going up and down on the clutch with the other foot. The clutch is not "All or Nothing" it matters how hard you've got it pressed. if you let up on it without your foot on the gas, at least a little, you'll stall. you should be going up with the clutch only when you're going down with the gas slowly. When you've got the clutch pressed all the way down and then let it up completely and suddenly that's called popping the clutch and you only want to do that in extreme situations.

Answer 4

You have to give it enough gas as your releasing the clutch to keep it from stalling. You should be able to feel the clutch grabbing and that will tell you when to start giving it gas. There is no certain amount to give cause it is a give and take. You don't want to let out to much clutch and buck either. In time you will get the feel and your ride will get much smoother. I don't think you should release the clutch all the way and then give it gas cause you will stall and have a rough ride. As you release the clutch slowly and feel it grab, you give it little gas and kind of equalize it. Hope this helps a little.

Answer 5

I usually let off the gas, shift then press the gas just as the trans grabs, you will feel it grab. Some people give it gas and release at the same time, I dont do it that way. Just drive and you will get your own pattern down. I never heard of rev match.... it dosent matter what the rev is as you are driving, just dont red line the engine, then you are past when you should have shifted.

Answer 6

You and your car need to get to "know" each other....on the next sunny day, take her out on less traveled roads ..."feel" the clutch....feel the gas.....and find a happy medium! When u r in higher gear u DO NOT need to add gas because of the rpm's sorta like free falling...you'll see.
O! and once you have a stick you will never go back to automatic .

Answer 7

No, you release the clutch WHILE applying the gas.