Using the Clutch, Downshifting

Using the Clutch

Fully depress the clutch pedal to the floor before shifting, then release it slowly. The clutch pedal should always be fully released while driving. Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving, as this may cause unnecessary wear. Do not partially engage the clutch to hold the vehicle on a slope, as this causes unnecessary wear. Use the foot brake or parking brake to hold the vehicle on a slope. Do not operate the clutch pedal rapidly and repeatedly.

CAUTION

When operating the clutch pedal, depress the clutch pedal fully. If you do not depress the clutch pedal fully, the clutch may be damaged or noise may occur.

Downshifting

When you need to decelerate in heavy traffic or when driving down steep slopes, downshift before the engine labors. Downshifting reduces the chance of stalling and provides better acceleration when you need to increase speed again. When the vehicle is descending steep slopes, downshifting helps maintain safe speed and extends brake life.

WARNING - Using the Clutch

Depress the clutch pedal fully as far as possible. Make sure not to depress the pedal again before it returns to its normal position. If the pedal is depressed repeatedly before returning to its normal position, the clutch system may be damaged.

Do not overload the vehicle. Starting the engine or driving the vehicle in this situation also generates a large amount of heat from friction of the clutch disc, which may cause damage to the clutch cover and disc.

When starting the vehicle or moving in reverse, releasing the clutch pedal too early after shifting the lever may stall the engine and cause an accident.