A term you may have heard or read in regards driving technique is “riding the clutch” or something similar. The clutch is undoubtedly a vital component of any car with a manual gearbox, since the driver needs to press it to change gear properly.
How exactly the driver uses the clutch can affect the behaviour of the car in various ways while it is being driven. Proper treatment of the clutch is required from the driver to deliver a smooth driving experience and keep components including the clutch itself in good condition.
So, what is someone even talking about when they talk about riding the clutch? To start with, it should be made clear that it’s something that should be avoided.
When is someone riding the clutch?
Riding the clutch refers to whenever a driver rests their foot on the clutch pedal while driving.
This is an issue because when you push your foot on the clutch pedal, you are putting pressure on various critical components that make up the clutch including a pressure plate and throw-out bearing.
If you keep your foot on the clutch pedal to any certain extent, even if you’re just resting your foot on it, then the clutch will be partially engaged. Someone then who is constantly pushing on the clutch pedal is putting more wear than necessary on these important components.
While the driver is constantly riding the clutch, it provides just enough pressure to keep the release bearing against the release springs. This leads the bearing to remain spinning, which eventually causes premature bearing failure.
Why do drivers ride the clutch?
Drivers are most likely to ride the clutch when they are stationary in traffic. In this scenario, some drivers will keep the clutch pressed to the floor when they anticipate they will move again very soon, so they can set off (or at least inch forward in the traffic) as soon as the light turns green.
Such drivers may see this as easier or quicker than putting the car in neutral before they can go, but easing off on the clutch is better for your car especially in the long-term future.
Nowadays though, keeping the clutch in while stationary is one of those things quite a few drivers do without realising it is slowly destroying their car.
