Should You Release the Accelerator or Depress the Clutch First When Changing Gear?

When changing gear, you should release the accelerator first. Depressing the clutch while the accelerator is still engaged causes the clutch to disengage at high revs, which can burn out the clutch plates over time. The correct procedure for gear changes and the advantages of manual gear shifting are as follows:

The correct procedure for gear changes:

Release the accelerator, depress the clutch, change gear, slowly release the clutch while gently applying the accelerator. It's important to ensure your foot is completely off the accelerator pedal; otherwise, you'll still be applying throttle. Whether upshifting or downshifting, always release the accelerator before depressing the clutch.

Advantages of manual gear shifting:

Manual/automatic transmission. This allows high-performance sports cars to avoid the limitations of traditional automatic transmissions, giving drivers the enjoyment of manual gear changes. These vehicles feature '+' and '-' gear selection options. When in Drive (D), you can freely downshift (-) or upshift (+), just like with a manual transmission. Drivers can force a downshift to slow down before entering a corner, much like with a manual gearbox, and accelerate out of the bend in a lower or intermediate gear.

When changing gear in a manual car, you should release the accelerator first before depressing the clutch. This sequence ensures smoother gear shifts and reduces wear on the clutch and transmission.

Releasing the accelerator first allows the engine speed (RPM) to drop, matching it closer to the speed of the next gear. This technique, known as rev-matching, minimises jerking and mechanical stress. If you depress the clutch first while still accelerating, the engine revs unnecessarily high, causing harsh engagement when shifting.

For optimal gear changes:

1. Lift off the accelerator to reduce engine power.
2. Press the clutch pedal fully to disengage the transmission.
3. Shift to the desired gear.
4. Gradually release the clutch while reapplying the accelerator.

This method is particularly important in performance driving or with high-torque vehicles like the Ford Focus ST, where abrupt shifts can strain components. In everyday driving, such as with a Vauxhall Corsa, it still promotes longevity and smoother operation.

From a mechanical standpoint, releasing the accelerator first is better for your car. Depressing the clutch while still accelerating forces the engine to rev freely, creating unnecessary wear. By lifting off the throttle first, you allow the RPM to stabilise, making the gear change smoother and reducing strain on the clutch plate and synchromesh. This is especially noticeable in cars with sensitive transmissions, like the BMW iX.