Clutch or Brake First when stopping or slowing down in a manual car?

Summary

This instructional video script explains the various methods of using the clutch and brake while driving, including when to apply the clutch before the brake, brake before the clutch, or both simultaneously. It emphasizes the importance of understanding engine revs, particularly around 1,000 RPM, to prevent stalling and offers tips for uphill and downhill driving. The script also advises against unnecessary clutch use, which can hinder engine braking and smooth driving, and suggests focusing on braking before shifting gears for beginners.

Takeaways

• 😀 The clutch should be engaged when engine revs drop to around 1,000 RPM to prevent stalling.
• 🚗 There are five methods for slowing down or stopping a car: clutch before brake, brake before clutch, both simultaneously, only brake, and only clutch.
• 🔊 Engine sound can be used to gauge when to engage the clutch if there's no rev counter available.
• 🛑 When slowing down, it's important to use the brake first and then the clutch as revs approach 1,000 RPM to avoid stalling.
• 🏁 In situations requiring sudden braking, both the brake and clutch can be used at the same time to ensure the car stops without stalling.
• 👣 When only a slight deceleration is needed, one can use the brake without the clutch, as long as the revs don't drop below 1,000 RPM.
• ⛰️ Uphill driving often requires using the clutch first to avoid stopping too early due to the car's natural deceleration on an incline.
• 🔽 Engine braking is beneficial, especially when going downhill, and should be utilized by not engaging the clutch prematurely.
• 🚫 Avoid pressing the clutch down every time you slow down if it's not necessary, as it can lead to loss of engine braking and smoother operation.
• 🧭 Understanding your car's minimum revs is crucial for knowing when to engage the clutch to prevent stalling.
• 🔄 Changing gears should be done with care, focusing on braking before selecting gears, especially when approaching a stop or slow junction.

Q & A

What is the general rule for when to press the clutch while braking?

The clutch should be pressed down when the engine revs drop to around 1000 RPM to prevent stalling. If you're unsure, it's better to rely on the sound of the engine, pressing the clutch when the engine gets quiet or starts to struggle.

Why is it not advisable to press the clutch every time you brake?

Pressing the clutch every time you brake can lead to unnecessary wear and prevents the use of engine braking, which is especially useful when going downhill. This habit can also cause the car to speed up before braking, making it harder to control.

When should you use both the brake and clutch simultaneously?

You should use both the brake and clutch simultaneously if you need to brake suddenly and don’t have time to press the clutch first. This prevents stalling while ensuring a quick stop.

In what situation is it appropriate to only use the clutch without the brake?

Using only the clutch without the brake is appropriate when driving uphill, especially for new drivers who might stop too early. The hill naturally slows the car, so using just the clutch allows for more control without over-slowing the car.

What should you do if you're slowing down but don't need to stop completely?

If you're slowing down without needing to stop completely, you should brake until the revs drop near 1000 RPM, then press the clutch down. This allows you to smoothly slow down without stalling.

Why is engine braking important, and when should it be used?

Engine braking is important because it helps control the speed of the car without excessive use of the brakes, especially on downhill slopes. It should be used when slowing down without needing to stop completely, as it provides a smoother deceleration.

When should you change gears after pressing the clutch?

You should only change gears after pressing the clutch if you're nearly stopped or need to shift to a lower gear for better engine braking. If you're just slowing down, focus on braking and only change gears once you're at a very low speed.

What is the best approach when slowing down to a near stop at a junction?

When slowing down to a near stop at a junction, you should brake and press the clutch down when the revs drop near 1000 RPM, keeping it in the current gear until you're almost stopped. Only shift into first gear when you're nearly stopped or completely stopped.

How can new drivers avoid stalling when stopping and starting uphill?

New drivers can avoid stalling uphill by using the clutch to control the car's speed, gradually reducing the gas as the hill slows the car down. They should also use the brake as needed to prevent rolling back and employ the handbrake if necessary.

What are the potential issues with pressing the clutch down too early?

Pressing the clutch down too early can reduce engine braking, making it harder to control the car's speed, especially downhill. It can also lead to unnecessary wear on the clutch and gears, as well as creating the habit of relying on the clutch instead of proper braking techniques.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 Understanding Clutch and Brake Usage

This paragraph discusses the optimal timing for using the clutch and brake when driving. The narrator explains five methods for slowing down or stopping a vehicle, emphasizing the importance of clutch engagement when the engine revs drop to around 1,000 rpm to prevent stalling. The paragraph also covers the use of sound as a guide for clutch engagement in vehicles without a rev counter, and the importance of practice to develop a feel for engine sounds. Additionally, it touches on the different scenarios where one might brake first, clutch first, or use both simultaneously, as well as when to avoid using the clutch unnecessarily.

05:01

📉 Techniques for Hilly Terrain and Traffic

In this paragraph, the focus shifts to specific driving situations such as uphill and downhill driving, as well as traffic conditions. The narrator advises on the correct use of the clutch and brake in these scenarios, highlighting the need for minimal brake usage when going uphill to avoid stalling, and the potential for increased speed when pressing the clutch downhill. The paragraph also addresses the common mistake of pressing the clutch down too early or too often, which can lead to a lack of engine braking and unnecessary wear on the vehicle. Moreover, it provides insights on when to change gears in relation to clutch usage, especially when approaching junctions or slowing down significantly.

10:03

🛣️ Gear Selection and Engine Braking

The final paragraph delves into the strategy of gear selection and the use of engine braking when slowing down. The narrator recommends shifting to a lower gear for engine braking between speeds of 5 to 15 miles per hour, which helps in slowing down smoothly without the need for constant clutch and brake adjustments. It also warns against the complexity this introduces for new drivers and advises that when nearing a complete stop, it's best to simply use the brake and clutch without changing gears until nearly stopped. The paragraph concludes with a reminder to practice safe driving and mentions insurance options for learner drivers, as well as a call to action for viewers to subscribe for more content.

Keywords

💡Clutch

The clutch is a device in a manual transmission vehicle that engages and disengages the power transmission from the engine to the driven axle. In the video's context, it is crucial for the driver to know when to use the clutch to prevent stalling or to utilize engine braking effectively. The script mentions several methods of clutch usage, such as 'clutch before brake', 'brake before clutch', and 'both at the same time', indicating its importance in controlling the vehicle's speed and preventing stalling.

💡Brake

The brake refers to the mechanism in a vehicle that slows it down or brings it to a stop. The video script discusses the various methods of applying brakes in relation to the clutch, such as 'brake before clutch' or 'both at the same time'. It emphasizes the need to balance brake and clutch usage for smooth deceleration and to avoid unnecessary stalling.

💡Revs (RPM)

Revs, or revolutions per minute, is a measure of the number of times an engine's crankshaft completes a full rotation in a minute. In the script, the instructor advises that the clutch should be pressed when the revs get to around a thousand RPM to prevent the engine from stalling. This concept is central to understanding when to engage the clutch during deceleration.

💡Stalling

Stalling refers to the engine ceasing to operate because the revs have dropped too low. The video script provides guidance on how to avoid stalling by using the clutch appropriately when the revs drop to around a thousand RPM. It is a common concern for new drivers and is a key point in the video's educational message.

💡Engine Braking

Engine braking is the use of an engine's compression and friction to slow down a vehicle, typically by downshifting. The video explains that engine braking is useful, especially when going downhill, and that it can be compromised if the clutch is pressed down unnecessarily, thus disconnecting the engine from the drivetrain.

💡Rev Counter

A rev counter is an instrument in a vehicle that displays the engine's RPM. The script mentions that having a rev counter can help drivers know when to press the clutch, as it provides a visual indication of the engine's speed, which is useful for those learning to drive without relying solely on sound or feel.

💡Gear

In the context of the video, a gear refers to the different settings on a vehicle's transmission that alter the torque output and speed. The script advises when to change gears in relation to slowing down or stopping, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate gear for the vehicle's speed to ensure smooth operation.

💡Hill Starts

Hill starts refer to the process of starting a vehicle on an incline without it rolling backward. The video script touches on this concept, explaining that using the clutch only can be beneficial when stopping uphill, as it allows the vehicle to slow down naturally without additional braking.

💡Handbrake Start

A handbrake start is a technique used to start a vehicle on a hill without it rolling back. The script mentions this in the context of traffic stops on an incline, where the handbrake can be used to keep the vehicle stationary until the driver is ready to proceed.

💡Synchromesh

Synchromesh is a device in a manual transmission that matches the speeds of the gears to make shifting smoother. The video script warns against forcing the gear shift into first gear at higher speeds, as it can damage the synchromesh and wear out the gears more quickly.

💡Jogging Speed

Jogging speed in the script refers to a slow, controlled speed of the vehicle, typically used when navigating around obstacles or in slow-moving traffic. The instructor advises using a lower gear for engine braking at this speed, which helps in slowing down smoothly without the need for constant clutch and brake adjustments.

Highlights

There are five methods to manage braking and clutching while driving.

Clutch should be engaged when engine revs reach around 1,000 RPM to prevent stalling.

Without a rev counter, drivers must rely on engine sound to judge when to engage the clutch.

Drivers can learn to preemptively engage the clutch before the engine struggles by listening to its sound.

In situations where the vehicle needs to slow down significantly, the clutch should be engaged first followed by the brake.

Braking first is recommended when revs are higher and there's no immediate need to stall the engine.

Pressing the clutch and brake simultaneously can be used for sudden stops without time to disengage the clutch first.

Only using the brake is suitable for minor speed reductions without causing the revs to drop too low.

Only using the clutch is beneficial when driving uphill to prevent the car from slowing down too quickly.

New drivers often struggle with stopping uphill, as they tend to stop too early due to the car's natural deceleration.

Using the clutch only can help uphill by allowing the car to slow naturally without additional braking.

Engine braking is useful, especially when driving downhill, and should not be negated by clutch engagement.

Pressing the clutch down unnecessarily can lead to loss of engine braking and potential car acceleration.

Some instructors may oversimplify by advocating always braking before clutching, but this can cause issues in certain situations.

Understanding your car's minimum revs is crucial to know when to engage the clutch to avoid stalling.

Pressing the clutch down too early can lead to a habit that negates the benefits of engine braking.

When slowing down between 5-15 mph, it's recommended to downshift for engine braking to assist with smooth deceleration.

For new drivers, focusing on braking before changing gears can improve control and prevent premature gear strain.

Practicing driving techniques without an instructor should be done with proper insurance to protect no claims bonus.

The video offers advice on how to handle clutch and brake in various driving scenarios for better control and safety.

Transcripts

I often get asked the question should I

break before clutch or clutch before

break so let me explain well if you

actually think about it there's five

methods because you can break before

clutch that's one clutch before brake to

press them both at the same time free

only break or only clutch so which one

is good for when or is there one that

you should prefer over the other let's

find out the first thing you need to

understand is that the clutch must come

down when the revs get to around a

thousand rpm it says ten here but

actually means a thousand so I'm slowing

down now with the brake and when the

revs get near a thousand clutch down to

make sure it doesn't stall if you don't

have a rev counter one of these things

that tells you how fast your engine is

spinning then you've got to go by sound

which is a little bit harder if I'm

honest with you which is why I would

only teach people in a car with a rev

counter because I think I can actually

show them what's happening if you don't

have a rev counter what you're gonna

have to do is go by sound and listen to

the engine when the engine gets very

quiet you probably need to press the

clutch down if it starts to struggle

they need to like definitely get the

clutch down we've experienced and

practice you will start to get good at

judging the sound it makes before it

struggles so you can preempt the

struggle and get the clutch down before

it struggles so at the moment I'm

driving along and my revs are very close

to a thousand rpm which means if we want

to go much slower I'll need to press the

clutch down so on this occasion I will

clutch down first and then brake as my

revs we need the minimum there many

members actually here but around a

thousand a safe ballpark so when you

revs get to near a thousand you know

clutch needs to be down it doesn't

actually need to be down this card to

about 750 but a thousand is playing it

safe so I'm gonna get going again now

and I'm going to show you the other

method brake first so to do that I'm

probably going to need a little bit more

speed so at the moment I'm driving along

and my revs are closer to 2,000 rpm as

you can see so there's no need for the

clutch

I'll start braking

and when the revs get near a thousand

then I'll press the clutch down to make

sure I don't stalled

this time I'm driving along and my revs

are near a thousand rpm again but I find

out I need to brake quite suddenly I

don't have time to press the clutch

first and then the brake so I'll just do

both at the same time to make sure I

stop without stalling so that's free

methods let's move on to the fourth and

that's only brake you would only break

when you know you're not gonna make the

revs go too low you're just slowing down

a little bit you don't go for the clutch

every time you just slow down a bit

it's not very smooth it doesn't help

your car control so here actually just a

good example I just slowed down to go

around this ambulance and this truck

probably can't see it there but

Sanderson truck there and all I did was

a transition from the gas to the brake

just to brush a bit of speed off I

didn't need to slow down enough it's a

warrant pressing the clutch down when

changing gear so I just use the brake

now for example let's say I want to slow

down I just use the brake the revs don't

go below a thousand so I'm okay you went

a little bit below a thousand but I'm

still okay didn't go all the way down to

750 so go back to the gas and carry on

I've got to slow down again just use the

brake to slow down no clutch needed

again back to the gas go around this

part car and carry on so now there's one

left and that is to only use the clutch

you're only going to do this when you're

uphill a lot of new drivers have a

problem stopping uphill and the problem

is they stopped way too early all the

time because until you learn how a car

works you don't expect the car to slow

down quite as quickly as it does when

you're growing up Hills so when your

driving instructor asks you to pull over

at the side of the road you go for the

brake and go to slow down like you would

do on the flat which you're probably

used to because that's where you started

you probably started on flats and the

car suddenly slows down and you're still

in your lane you haven't yet even

reached the kerb you let alone line up

with the kerb to make sure you're

straight and nicely parked this is where

using the clutch only can help because

then you're not adding braking to the

car you're not slowing it down more

quickly the hill is already doing that

for you you're letting the hill slow

down on its own and in fact when you use

this method it's probably best not to go

straight for the clutch straight away

firstly just start with

use the gas let the hill start to slow

you down by giving less gas maybe a

little bit of gas so the hill doesn't

slow you down too much and you gradually

come off a gas more and more until

you're happy and you think hmm

I need to come off gas completely now

because I'm nearly there I definitely

want to slow down more then you press

the clutch down to make sure you

continue slowing down and you may need a

little bit of brake at the end you

probably will if your uphill actually

just stopped you're rolling back if

you're going to carry on if you're not

parking if you're just slowing down in

traffic you may not even go for the

brake you might use the gas and bring

the clutch up again as the car stops to

carry on here's an example so I'm moving

away now and getting a bit of speed and

let's say I want to pull over the side

of the road so I'm doing about 18 miles

an hour I want to slow down so I'm

coming off the gas gently and it starts

to slow down and I want to stop here yet

so I'm holding the gasoline just to keep

it going now I'm off the gas food

because I do want to slow it down more

now the car starts pulling me along so I

want the clutch down to signal as a car

behind me and the car is stopping itself

and just as it stops and use a little

bit of brake to stop me from rolling

back and moving on from that you may

only use the clutch as well when you're

in traffic as I just mentioned you may

want to be stopping and starting uphill

no need to keep going for the brake so

if I was stopping and starting uphill

I've got gas and bite point now to move

myself forwards track the traffic and

front slows down so I push the clutch

down to slow down the traffic in front

starts moving be a gas lift the clutch

to carry on it starts slowing down again

clutch down let it slow down it starts

to move gas and by point to carry on the

traffic stops for a while

well clutch down maybe then I'll use the

brake to stop me rolling back and into a

handbrake start when I want to get going

again so I don't roll back I have a

video on Hill starts check it out if you

don't know what I mean when I say

handbrake start so there you go there's

your five methods whether you use the

brake first or the clutch first or both

at the same time or you don't need to

brake at all all depends on the

situation if your uphill you're probably

going to need very little break if

you're downhill you're certainly going

to need more brake and you don't need to

get the clutch down until the revs are

around a thousand

try not to go down this road of pressing

the clutch down every time you need to

slow down to make sure you don't stall

because you're afraid of stalling you've

read on a stool you think well if I

press the clutch down there's no chance

of me stalling because that brings about

its own problems the problem with

pressing the clutch down every time you

go to slow down when it's not needed is

you don't get engine braking and engine

braking is very useful especially

downhill if you press the clutch down

first when you're downhill the car is

going to speed up a little bit before

you get to the brake to slow down which

is why you'd only want to press the

clutch down first when you're downhill

if the Rebs are already low and in that

situation I'll probably use the brake

and the clutch at the same time to avoid

the car or to prevent the car from

speeding up when you press the clutch

down the brake will help you stay slow

some driving instructors will tell you

you must break before clutch all the

time they're trying to oversimplify a

little bit so you don't go for the

clutch unnecessarily the problem with

that is is that if you do need to clutch

down first if you brake first you're

gonna make the car struggle and maybe

even stall to know how low your car can

rev simply switch it on and see where

the rev set or where the rev settle is

about where the minimum is so you want

to get the clutch down by that point

some cars are as high as a thousand some

cars go down to about 500 this is around

about 750 but in any situation make sure

you get the clutch down by the time the

engine gets to its minimum speed to

prevent you from stalling don't try and

get the clutch down much before it

because you won't have engine braking

which will affect you negatively

downhill but also you may get into the

habit of just pressing the clutch down

every time you see a problem when you

didn't actually need the clutch down you

only needed a break a little bit which

means you've pressed the clutch down for

no reason you've got to bring it back up

again which takes time and if you don't

bring it up very well it's going to be

less smooth - here's some bonus

information this isn't totally related

to when to get the clutch down this is

more about should you change gear as

soon as the clutch goes down because

that's another common problem new

drivers have is they go for the gear

stick as soon as the clutch goes down

even though they don't need to when

their attention is better focused on

breaking because breaking is actually

quite hard to get breaking done well you

have to focus on it otherwise you'll

break too early or too late if you're

not fully focused I'm talking about if

you're coming up to a really slow

junction a junction where you know

you're likely going to have to stop or

very nearly stop I'm in third gear at

the moment doing around about 20 miles

an hour and I'm coming up to a junction

I'm not actually let's pretend I'm

coming up to a junction where I'm gonna

have to almost stop so I'm gonna start

braking and when my revs get to around a

thousand I'm gonna press the clutch down

just leave it in third gear don't need

to change the gear I just focus on my

braking so get that right level of

braking to get really close to the end

of the road whatever it is you're trying

to stop for and really slow and once you

really slow then pop it in first and

either continue stopping and stop with a

brake or if it's safe carry on that

makes such a big difference to new

drivers because it allows them to really

focus on their braking and you don't

really want to select first gear until

you're nearly stopped anyway so better

wait until you've basically finished

stopping and then go into first because

some cars if you try and put them into

first gear when you're going at any kind

of speed much more than five miles an

hour it's really stiff to get it into

gear and it puts a lot of strain on

first gear synchromesh so you can wear

your gears out a bit quicker too however

I have a different opinion when it comes

to slowing down to say between five and

15 miles an hour or anything above 5

miles now really then I recommend you go

into lower gear to give you engine

braking which will help you slow down

smoothly but because you've gone into

the low again you've bought the clutch

back up again you're now ready to go

when the time comes I don't recommend

doing it if you're going to stop if you

know you're going to stop or nearly

stopped using engine braking does make

it well it helps you slow down a bit

more smoothly but it does make it a lot

more complicated which can be difficult

for a newer driver because they've got a

go to a lower gear bring the clutch back

up again and when they get too slow for

that gear they've got a Presta clutch

back down again so if you are nearly

stopping just brake push the clutch down

and wait and see nearly stopped but if

you know you're not going to stop

and you're most like you're just gonna

slow down to some sort of jogging speed

or anything above that really go to the

gear that's appropriate for that speed

for example I mean third gear again

about 20 miles an hour and I'm looking

at a problem up ahead I think I'm

probably gonna have to so now is about

10 miles an hour that I'm pretty have to

jog round that problem so I'll brake go

to the second gear bring the clutch back

up now I'm ready to continue bringing

the clutch up help me slow down now when

I go I press the gas and I go I don't

have to do anything with the gears and

clutch afterwards I'm ready if you're

practicing without an instructor make

sure you have insurance get 20 pounds

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