Here are the easy and effective ways to master clutch control of a car 05th August 2022
Mastering the clutch can be challenging for somebody who has just started learning to drive a car. When to press the clutch, when to let go, and what to do on a slope are only some of the many clutch-related questions we face every day as a beginner. But as somebody rightfully said, practice makes it perfect.
The more you practice, the better you handle the accelerator and learn to sync with the vehicle's clutch. However, you can do a few things to improve your driving experience and better understand your car's clutch system.
This article will look at all the simple tips and tricks you can follow to master the clutch and become an expert driver in no time.
1. Adjust your driving environment:
When practising your driving skills, it is essential to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Choose an empty field or road to practice your driving manoeuvres. Ensure that nobody is around you and your car for a considerable distance.
Wear your seat belt tightly and adjust your seat to get a comfortable driving posture. Your seat adjustment is key to good driving. If you have to strain your legs to reach the pedals or if you have to cramp your legs into position, then it will affect your driving adversely.
2. When you start the engine:
One of the main issues faced by new learners is starting the car. It is natural for the car to sputter or jerk when starting as a beginner. Talk to an instructor and learn how to manoeuvre the clutch and the accelerator. Once you turn on the ignition, depress the clutch fully and put your car in the first gear.
Now, slowly release the clutch and accelerate the pedals. A rule of thumb is that the accelerator and clutch are complimentary pedals. The more stress you put on the clutch, the lesser power you give to the accelerator. Repeat this step for few times to get a command over bite point of clutch.
3. Manoeuvring the slopes and hills:
One of the new drivers' biggest fears is taking the car up a hill. While it might seem like an intimidating task, with practice, you can master conquering any hill. While climbing a steep slope ridden with traffic, you must keep two things in mind. First, your car needs maximum energy to climb the hill.
Second, you cannot accelerate the car because you always risk crashing into another vehicle. In a situation like this, you must constantly alternate between controlling the clutch and handling the speed. Dip the clutch constantly to keep the car moving slowly, but if you feel like your vehicle is going to stop and recede, raise the pedal to give it some speed.
4. Conquer the fear:
While this is seemingly obvious, most people quit driving because of fear. Improper clutch handling brings the fear of accidents due to wrong coordination. It may also result in quicker wear and tear and might need replacement before time. But if you are covered by good car insurance, you can rest assured that all the expenses will be taken care of by your insurance provider.
Give yourself and your car as much time as needed to understand the vehicle's functionalities better. Most importantly, do not compare your learning speed with others because what matters is that you are keeping yourself and others on the road safe.
These are a list of a few things that you need to remember when handling clutch. As mentioned above, insure cars with affordable yet efficient insurance companies. With the new car insurance rates in the market, there are many options to choose from.
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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.