By Matsumoto Naoki
Last updated Oct 11, 2023
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Driving a car with a manual gearbox is not as easy as its automatic counterpart. You have to learn the art of driving a stick shift thoroughly before hitting the road. Given that, one of the skills that you need to master is to know how to brake in manual car.
Most learners stay confused because manual cars have three pedals for braking. It is somewhat difficult and needs lots of practice to learn the right use of brake, clutch, and accelerator.
How To Brake In Manual Car?
The clutch pedal is the component that makes braking in a manual car more difficult than an automatic. The brake pedal does the job of losing speed and the accelerator does the opposite.
The clutch, on the other hand, disconnects the engine from the wheels. You have to know which pedal to press after which in different driving scenarios to learn how to brake in manual car.
1#Slowing Down to a Normal Stop From a High Speed
Driving a car at 70 mph or more means that it is in top gear. You cannot stop the engine in the same gear until it slows down, dropping the speed to under 40kmph.
What you need to do is to apply the brake without a clutch until the speed drops. Then shift the transmission to the fourth gear and release the clutch.
Keep pressing the brake until the auto reaches a low speed (say 20kmph) and then apply the clutch to stop the vehicle completely.
If you are driving at a low speed, just press the brake pedal until the vehicle reaches 25 or 20kmph, and then apply the clutch to stop it.
2#Emergency Stop
The most important rule for emergency or panic braking is not to touch the clutch. You have to use the optimum engine braking despite taking the risk of stalling the engine. Don’t lower the gear even if you are driving at a very high speed.
SEE MORE:
- Avoid these Driving Habits If You Don’t Want to Destroy Your Manual Car!
- Is Skipping a Gear in Manual Transmission Dangerous?
3#Stopping in a Rally Circuit
You have to apply the brake first when trying to stop the car on a track. Engage the clutch and downshift gears when the vehicle is close to the in-gear idle. After finishing the shifting, re-engage the clutch.
4#Pulling Over at the Traffic Light
Most drivers prefer saving fuel to engine braking in that case. So, you can press the clutch and brake pedals at the same time. If the car has a deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO) technology, there is no need to use the clutch.
5#When Driving Downhill
Novice learners remain confused about how to brake in manual car when going downhill because there are so many theories.
Well, the simplest way to do it is to shift the gear to one level higher than what you used at the time of going uphill. Then, press the brake pedal without touching the clutch.
Common Problems When Breaking A Manual Car
It might be challenging to keep in mind all the steps required to stop your car when you first learn to drive a manual gearbox. Beginners frequently make a number of errors.
- Not depressing the clutch pedal
Slowing down without using the clutch causes the engine to hesitate and stall.
- Forget to release the clutch pedal
If you’re in neutral, the clutch is already disengaged, and pressing on the pedal causes unnecessary wear.
You don’t gain the braking advantage of a lower gear until you let off of the clutch pedal after shifting from a higher to a lower gear.
- The clutch pedal is not entirely released
The pedal should be either completely depressed or not touched at all. “Riding the clutch” refers to partially pushing the pedal and producing unnecessary wear.
- When shifting, do not use the clutch pedal
Pushing the driving stick without clutching is usually possible, but it’s harsh on the clutch and can even lead to gearbox maintenance.
- Becoming distracted
With a manual transmission, there is more to consider. You’re shifting your gaze and maybe your hand from the steering wheel to the manual transmission.
You must pay attention to what is going on around you on the road. That is why it is critical to practice until stick shift braking no longer requires your whole focus and becomes as natural and comfortable as stopping an automatic.
FAQs about Braking Techniques in Manual Car
Is heel-and-toe braking necessary in a manual car?
Heel-and-toe downshifting is a more advanced technique. While it can be beneficial for performance driving, it’s not necessary for everyday driving. Simply downshifting smoothly is usually sufficient.
How can I prevent brake fade in a manual car?
Brake fade occurs when the brakes overheat and lose their effectiveness. To prevent this, avoid riding the brakes and use engine braking when appropriate. Additionally, make sure your brakes are properly maintained.
Should I use the handbrake (parking brake) when stopping on a hill in a manual car?
Yes, it’s a good practice to use the handbrake when stopped on a hill to prevent rolling backward. Engage the handbrake before releasing the foot brake, and then smoothly release the clutch and accelerator when starting on a hill.
What should I do if my brakes feel spongy or unresponsive?
If your brakes feel spongy or unresponsive, it’s a sign of a potential issue. You should have your brake system inspected by a qualified mechanic to ensure your safety on the road.
Can engine braking alone slow down a manual car effectively?
Engine braking can slow down a manual car, but it may not be sufficient for rapid deceleration. It’s best used in combination with regular braking for effective stopping.
Final Words
Remember not to use the clutch before braking in any driving situation to master how to brake in manual car. You should engage the clutch pedal only when shifting gears and the car is close to a dead stop.
Otherwise, avoiding the clutch will help with having better control over the wheels, allowing using the engine resistance for braking, and saving fuel.
