How to Use the Clutch on a Manual Transmission

Understand what a clutch looks like and where it is located on your vehicle. A clutch is very similar in shape and size to a brake rotor or caliper. They also use a pad system, similar to a brake pad. They are most often located on the bottom half of the engine and can be accessed from underneath the car.

Push the clutch before turning the key in the ignition. The car won't start without pushing in the clutch. Once the car is running, you can let the clutch out if the car is not in gear.

Press the clutch in and put the car in the gear you desire to use. Put your foot on the gas and slowly exchange the pressure from the clutch pedal to the gas pedal. You want to use an alternating motion with the gas and clutch. This is a little rough at first, but gets easier the more you practice. You will use this same alternating when you shift between gears and stop at traffic signals.

Know how the clutch works on the clutch disc. When the clutch pedal is pushed on the inside of the car, the disc and pressure plate come together. This rubbing causes the clutch to work, again, much like a braking system.

Watch for signs of wearing on the clutch pads and disc. Over time and with use, the clutch pad wears down and the metal pieces come closer and closer together. When the pad is worn, it needs to be replaced. If the pad is completely worn and not replaced, it can cause permanent damage to the clutch disc and plate, which will need to be replaced, but at a much higher cost than fixing it earlier.

Use your clutch properly to avoid extensive and premature damage to the pad, pressure plate and clutch disc. This can be done by making sure the clutch is completely pressed in before starting to shift.