Clutch and Gears: Moving Off, Changing Gear and Stopping

Most cars on Indian roads still have a manual gearbox, and the driving test at many RTOs is taken in one. Smooth use of the clutch and gears is what separates a calm, confident driver from one who stalls at signals, rolls back on slopes and wears out the clutch in a year. This article explains what the clutch does, how to move off, change gear and stop, and the habits that keep you in control.

What the clutch does

The clutch connects the engine to the wheels. When you press the pedal fully down, the engine is disconnected, so you can select a gear or stop without stalling. As you lift the pedal, the clutch plates start to touch: this is the biting point, where the car begins to pull and the engine note drops slightly. Lift further and the engine and wheels are fully connected.

• the pedals, from left to right, are clutch, brake, accelerator. Use your left foot for the clutch only, and your right foot for both the brake and the accelerator;
• first gear gives the most pulling power for moving off and climbing; higher gears are for higher speeds; and
• reverse is used only when the car has stopped completely.

Find the biting point

1. on a level, quiet road or open space, start the engine with the clutch fully down and the gear lever in neutral;
2. select first gear, and add a little accelerator so the engine runs slightly faster than idle;
3. lift the clutch very slowly until you hear the engine note drop and feel the car want to move. That is the biting point. Hold your foot still there; and
4. press the clutch back down. Practise finding the biting point until you can do it without looking or thinking.

Moving off

1. clutch down, select first gear;
2. a little accelerator, then bring the clutch up to the biting point and hold it;
3. check your mirrors and look over your right shoulder for the blind spot (Rule 02). Signal if anyone could benefit;
4. release the handbrake when it is safe to go;
5. lift the clutch smoothly the rest of the way while gently pressing the accelerator; and
6. once the car is moving and the clutch is fully up, take your left foot off the pedal and rest it on the floor or footrest.

If the car jerks or the engine stalls, you lifted the clutch too quickly or gave too little accelerator. Press the clutch down, put the gear lever in neutral, apply the handbrake, restart and try again calmly. Stalling is part of learning.

Changing up

1. as your speed rises and the engine sounds busy, ease off the accelerator;
2. press the clutch fully down;
3. move the gear lever to the next gear, using the palm of your hand and gentle pressure. Do not force it;
4. lift the clutch smoothly while gently pressing the accelerator again; and
5. keep your eyes on the road throughout. Do not look down at the gear lever.

As a rough guide for an ordinary petrol car: first gear to move off, second up to about 20 km/h, third up to about 35 to 40 km/h, fourth up to about 50 to 55 km/h, and fifth for steady higher speeds. Diesel engines usually change up earlier. Your car's manual and the engine's sound are the best guides; many cars also show a gear-change indicator on the dashboard.

Changing down

• change down when you slow down and need more pulling power: before a bend, a junction, a climb, or when traffic slows;
• brake first, then change down. Slow to the right speed with the footbrake, then press the clutch, select the lower gear and lift the clutch smoothly;
• you do not have to go through every gear. You can go straight from fourth to second when you have slowed for a turn; and
• on a long descent, a lower gear lets the engine help to hold your speed (engine braking), so the brakes do not overheat (Rule 33).

Stopping

1. check your mirrors and signal if you are pulling in;
2. ease off the accelerator and brake gently and progressively;
3. press the clutch down just before the car stops, so the engine does not stall;
4. once stopped, apply the handbrake and select neutral if you will wait more than a few seconds; then
5. take your feet off the pedals, so your brake lights do not dazzle the driver behind.

Habits that protect you and the clutch

• do not ride the clutch. Resting your foot on the pedal while driving keeps the clutch partly disengaged. It wears out quickly, and you have less control;
• do not hold the car on the clutch on a slope or in traffic. Use the handbrake or footbrake to hold the car still;
• do not coast. Coasting means travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down. It reduces your control and the engine cannot help you slow down, especially downhill. The UK Highway Code (rule 122) warns against it;
• keep a hand on the wheel. Do not rest your hand on the gear lever while driving; you need both hands on the wheel except when changing gear or signalling; and
• in slow traffic, use first or second gear and creep forward gently, rather than slipping the clutch for long periods.

Common mistakes

Remember