Rookie Driver informs you of clutch control when you're having Driving Lessons High Wycombe


Top Five Clutch Control Tips


Teaching new drivers how to perfect clutch control is like giving them the first key to many many doors. Once this skill is mastered everything progresses at an increased pace. Clutch control is required for a variety of situations when driving including manoeuvres emerging from junctions, moving off (including the dreaded hill start), and when dealing with slow moving traffic.

So without further hesitation Rookie Driver present to you our car clutch control tips which (hopefully) will help you improve car control and reduce the chances of the even more dreaded stall!
                                         
Clutch Control Explained  
                                  
First of all to improve car clutch control it is important to understand how the clutch itself works at a basic level. Essentially the clutch is two plates which when depressed (Engine A) are pulled apart meaning the engine is disengaged.

When the clutch is lifted these two plates press together (Engine B) allowing power from the engine to be driven to the wheels and generating movement. 
  

1. The Bite Point

Between these two points, approximately half way is generally known as the bite point. This is the first point the clutch plates come into contact and start to generate movement.

When attempting to get the car to move off it is important that until movement is generated the clutch remains held on the bite point. Only once the car has produced enough momentum should the clutch be fully released.

 2.  Raising And Dipping

 The terms "raising" and "dipping" refer to a very small movement of the clutch, controlling the amount of power allowed between the engine and the wheels. At very low speeds "close clutch control" can be used to control the speed of the car.

First of all very slowly raise the clutch to near the biting point (half way). Once at this point bring the clutch up (raise) approximately the thickness of a pound coin. This should generate more forward movement. To control/reduce this movement lower (dip) the clutch again by the thickness of a pound coin.
                                                                                       
Using this raising and dipping motion is a fantastic way to help develop perfect clutch control. Have a play around and let us know how you get on!

3.  Knowing You Have Found The Bite Point

Ok so far we have talked loads about the bite point and controlling the pace of the car, but how can you be 100% sure you have found it. There are a couple of things you can look out for.

First of all press the gas very lightly and keep it steady. Listen to the sound of the engine, it should sound like a gentle hum. Next gently and slowly bring the clutch towards the half way point. Don't be afraid to take your time doing this, it will get quicker with practice. Keep raising the clutch until you hear the engine note become deeper. Keep the clutch still. This is the biting point.

A second way to check is watch the bonnet of the car. Mainly where the bonnet disappears against the road. As the clutch is lifted and the bite point is found the bonnet should lift very slightly. Experiment using raise and dip whilst watching the bonnet/road horizon move up and down.

4.  Clutch Control On A Hill

For many this along with stalling is their worst fear when driving. We aim to cure that fear with a quick talk through a sure fire way of making hill starts simple and give you great clutch control on a hill.

1. Depress the clutch and select first gear.
2. Apply a small amount of gas so the engine is humming.
3. Slowly raise the clutch to the bite point (half way).
4. Raise the clutch a further pound coin and watch for the bonnet to lift slightly. This means the weight of the car has now shifted forward.
5. Keep your feet still.
6. Release the handbrake.
7. If the car doesn't move forwards raise the clutch another pound coin.

Practice this clutch control routine on a quiet hill to start off with, and if the car rolls back immediately apply pressure on the foot brake.
 

5.  Clutch Control At Junctions

Many times we have all found our selves at a junction where our view along the road we are about to enter is extremely restricted. Rarely is a junction as clear as the one on the right. Obstacles we regularly find blocking our view at junctions include parked cars, trees, lamp posts, and even pedestrians. So how do we improve that view and exactly what clutch control at junctions should we use?

Once at the junction and you have established your visibility is limited you need to use a technique we describe as "peep and creep". This involves using raise and dip on the clutch to gradually move the car forward inch by inch until you can see enough to be sure it is clear.
                                                                             
In order to have good view up and down the road you should position your car as the image below. The driver in this shot has used good clutch control at the junction to widen his field of vision. His car is protected by the green and red cars from oncoming traffic whilst allowing himself to see to the left and the right clearly. Only at this point should you make a decision as to whether it is safe to go or not.

Your Turn

How did our tips help you? Do you have any further clutch control tips that might help other learners or drivers alike improve? If so, we would love to hear from you.
email us soon.