When you rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving you are?

Does driving with your foot always resting on the clutch (not pushing) generally wear it down?

timbo

1,1862 gold badges14 silver badges25 bronze badges

asked Sep 4, 2015 at 0:45

1

It absolutely does. It's called riding the clutch. Even though you "believe" you just have your foot there, it forces the pedal down and takes up the slack which is there. This causes the throw out bearing to ride against the clutch fingers, which presses so ever slightly and causes the clutch to not have as much grip. This causes the clutch friction disk to slip which causes heat and ultimately wear. I've found in these situations, the clutch doesn't necessarily wear out, but the extra heat caused by the slippage causes heat cracks in the face of the flywheel. This causes the driver no length of pain in driving and it is a chore. In the process, the throw out bearing wears out very quickly as well.

Resting your foot on the pedal is a very bad practice.

George

6,51530 gold badges73 silver badges118 bronze badges

answered Sep 4, 2015 at 1:47

Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2♦Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2

142k27 gold badges239 silver badges464 bronze badges

8

I do not see how you can rest your foot on the pedal without exerting any force at all on that pedal. What is the point? You might as well use the pedal properly and ONLY apply force to it when required. Resting your foot on the clutch pedal WILL adversely affect the operation of the clutch release bearing (throw-out bearing as our American cousins call it) by generating friction and subsequently heat, which will absolutely wear out those components prematurely.In extreme cases, the friction plate will slip causing heat, loss of drive (clutch slip) and again, premature failure. Leave the pedal alone unless you are changing gear, simple!

answered Aug 18, 2016 at 11:12

For one thing, letting off the gas and, not pressing the clutch should help slow the car better, then hitting the brakes alone with the car in let's call it neutral. because the transmission will help slow the vehicle with the deceleration of the engine. As for "riding the clutch" keep your foot off of it yes it will wear out the moving parts in your transmission. also don't panic in a situation where you lock up the wheels.

answered Jan 25, 2016 at 0:48

Michael Michael

1131 silver badge4 bronze badges

3

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .

Heds

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 7:32:48 PM7/1/09

to

Hi,

I wonder if you could help settle an argument between my wife and I
(at least this one is related to cars!).

She drives with her left foot covering the clutch and says that she
was taught this technique as the correct way to drive and it helps her
if she needs to stop quickly.

I on the other hand say that if you need to stop quickly it is the
brake pedal she should be worrying about and that her left foot should
be flat on the floor or on the purpose built foot rest, unless she is
in the process of changing gear.

She insists that her foot is not on the clutch and just above it so is
hovering and therefore not causing the clutch any problems.

If anyone could help settle this friendly discussion I would be most
grateful. Especially if I could be proved right :-)

thanks
H Phillips

Andy Cap

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 7:37:52 PM7/1/09

to

> If anyone could help settle this friendly discussion I would be most
> grateful. Especially if I could be proved right :-)
>
> thanks
> H Phillips

And my vote goes to...
-
-
-
-
-
Mrs Philips

Andy C

Adrian C

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 7:44:54 PM7/1/09

to

Heds wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I wonder if you could help settle an argument between my wife and I
> (at least this one is related to cars!).
>
> She drives with her left foot covering the clutch and says that she
> was taught this technique as the correct way to drive and it helps her
> if she needs to stop quickly.

Someone has once told her "If in doubt, both feet out....", and it
stuck. At least if so, the right foot wouldn't be long behind to stamp
on the brake pedal.

Try that in an Automatic forgetting the missing clutch pedal, ye
forehead tends to hurt after it's hit the steering wheel...

--
Adrian C

David Hearn

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 7:46:18 PM7/1/09

to

When driving down the motorway? I see no problem with putting your foot
in a comfortable position, quite possibly on the 'foot rest' (if the car
has one, a recent Fiesta I drove has no space to the left of the clutch
pedal at all!).

However, having your foot on the 'foot rest' is incompatible with your
suggested approach of "if you need to stop quickly it is the brake pedal
she should be worrying about". A few times I've caught my foot under
the clutch pedal when taking it off the rest and trying to get to the
brake. It's a lot further from the rest to the brake (plus involves two
movements - up and across), than from hovering over the clutch to the
brake (one movement - across).

So, as long as the clutch isn't actually being touched, then I see no
problem with it. I certainly wouldn't see it as being 'wrong', and
would probably see it as prudent in situations where you anticipate
having to brake quickly.

D

Blah

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 7:50:03 PM7/1/09

to

I wouldn't say it was wrong as long as she doesn't touch the clutch BUT
hovering her foot there will tire the leg and when she comes to use it,
her leg muscle won't be very efficient.

Also, the clutch doesn't help her stop quickly, it stops the engine
stalling if you do an emergency stop. You can stop quite successfully
without pressing the clutch at all.

Furthermore (and this is a very weak point ;-) ) it could be said that
in the milliseconds it takes you to move your foot from accelerator to
brake, the engine provides a tiny amount of engine braking helping stop
- which is removed if you bang down the clutch instantly.

Anyway, don't worry about winning too much, as the lack of sex will soon
'change your mind' if you won.

Chris Whelan

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 7:51:22 PM7/1/09

to

If her foot genuinely doesn't touch the pedal, then I can't see that it
would harm the car. (And is probably way OT for u.r.c.m.!)

However, my brother was taught to drive like this; I ended up replacing
the clutch in his first car before it was 6 months old. He soon learnt an
(expensive) lesson.

WRT the safety aspect, I would find it so uncomfortable to drive like
that for any significant amount of time that I feel that any very
marginal advantage to safety would be negated by the distraction the pain
in my ankle would cause.

In truth, like so many things in life, there's not really a definitive
answer; if she feels safer driving like that, and she is aware that
resting her foot *on* the pedal will kill the clutch, why worry?

Chris

--
Remove prejudice to reply.

Duncan Wood

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 7:55:36 PM7/1/09

to

Although pre-engaged release bearings are fairly common, so it does depend
on the car, it won't make any difference to a 205 GTi, I'd be impressed if
you got 6 months out of a Morris Minor:-)

Heds

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 8:01:51 PM7/1/09

to

Thanks everyone, some good replies there.

The matter was brought up recently as she has just swapped over to a
hire auto after yet another idiot drove into the back of her. We seem
to have the worlds first fully working car cloaking device as it is
hardly ever out of the repair shop.

We are still on our first clutch so I assume that she isn't killing it
so will leave it as it is. As stated she is comfortable this way so
why change.

thanks again.

H Phillips

Doki

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 8:26:51 PM7/1/09

to

"Heds" <> wrote in message
news:...

If she really isn't touching it, then she should be fine. I'd imagine it's
an uncomfortable way to drive though.

However, when I was learning to drive, I occasionally made the mistake of
leaving my foot on the clutch pedal, thinking I was putting absolutely no
pressure on it. I was proved wrong when the instructor stuck his foot under
his clutch pedal and nudged it back up.

Conor

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 8:43:02 PM7/1/09

to

In article <>, Andy
Cap says...

So you can't drive either.

--
Conor

I only please one person per day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow isn't
looking good either. - Scott Adams

Andy Cap

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 9:02:51 PM7/1/09

to

On Wed, 1 Jul 2009 11:43:02 +0100, Conor <> wrote:

>>
>
>So you can't drive either.

Oh FFS. I've not put my foot on the floor or the 'rest' for close of 50 years
and I think I've had one clutch and I generally keep my cars for a long time.
Keeping your foot covering the pedal DOES NOT wear the clutch. Pressing it down
sufficiently will. Being a pedant doesn't make you right.

Andy C

Conor

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 10:54:18 PM7/1/09

to

Tony Brett

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 11:20:15 PM7/1/09

to

Heds wrote:
> Thanks everyone, some good replies there.
>
> The matter was brought up recently as she has just swapped over to a
> hire auto after yet another idiot drove into the back of her. We seem
> to have the worlds first fully working car cloaking device as it is
> hardly ever out of the repair shop.

Do the brake lights work? :-)

Tony Brett

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 11:21:23 PM7/1/09

to

Heds wrote:

> She drives with her left foot covering the clutch and says that she
> was taught this technique as the correct way to drive and it helps her
> if she needs to stop quickly.

I prefer to use the brake to stop quickly :-) In an emergency stop
situation I don't really care if I stall the engine in fact it can be
quite a good thing to do in some situations.

Tony

Mrcheerful

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 11:31:13 PM7/1/09

to

IME driving schools teach some absolute rubbish. It is extremely hard to
find a good instructor that will teach you to 'drive' rather than just how
to pass a test.

Why not get her to enrol on an advanced driving course such as the IAM, it
is enjoyable and rewarding (and not expensive) and leads to a test which can
give you a good insurance discount.

Trying to correct a relative's driving habits is best done by a third party.

To answer the question: covering the clutch in normal driving is not an
advisable habit ( I have never heard it being recommended by anyone before)

robgraham

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 11:41:52 PM7/1/09

to

"David Hearn" <> wrote in message
news:...

Am I reading you correctly? You appear to be using your left foot to brake
with. I make this deduction because you say you get it stuck under the
clutch pedal when you move it from the footrest to the brake.

Whatever else you do, you shouldn't be using your left foot to brake with.
So you shouldn't be hovering it over the clutch pedal.

Or are you resting your right foot on the left footrest???

Rob Graham

Duncan Wood

unread,

Jul 1, 2009, 11:54:31 PM7/1/09

to

Left foot braking's a very usefull skill :-) Although not really on the
public highway.

Doki

unread,

Jul 2, 2009, 12:00:59 AM7/2/09

to

Depends how much of an understeering tank your road car is ;).

Andy Cap

unread,

Jul 2, 2009, 1:43:09 AM7/2/09

to

> I guess you don't drive much or very far then.

About 10000/year. I've just tried putting my foot on what I take is
intended to be a rest position and the pedal catches my shoe on the way
up. Couldn't be doing with that. I do now recall having a bearing fail a
long time ago, so I may have contributed to it, but certainly not a
major issue IMO.

Andy C

Miike G

unread,

Jul 2, 2009, 2:21:30 AM7/2/09

to

"Andy Cap" <> wrote in message
news:...

Not a very relaxing way to drive IMO.
Even under comparitively light braking one tends to move forward in the
seat, especially if the brakes are particularly light, as they are in my
car.
Easily counteracted if ones left foot is on the rest or floor. It also helps
with accelerator control, as ones body is more stable.
A heel on the carpet certainly wouldn't prevent me sliding forward in my
car.
Mike.

robgraham

unread,

Jul 2, 2009, 2:26:28 AM7/2/09

to

"Duncan Wood" <> wrote in message
news:op.uwd585rqhaghkf@lucy...

True. But then so's walking on stilts, but for your everyday driver these
unusual skills are not part of life's rich pattern. Many people know how to
heel-and-toe, and drive long distances without using the clutch, but I
cannot really understand what the OP (and/or his wife) are gaining by what
they appear to be doing.

Rob

Mark W

unread,

Jul 2, 2009, 2:27:57 AM7/2/09

to

>>
>>
>
>
> Left foot braking's a very usefull skill :-) Although not really on the
> public highway.

So is driving with one's legs crossed. Some cars are so comfortable, it's
like being in your armchair.
Hence left foot accelerating and right foot braking. Now there's the test of
a Real Driver.

MattF

unread,

Jul 2, 2009, 4:30:11 AM7/2/09

to

"Heds" <> wrote in message
news:...

Yes it is bad practice and its a habit I have never really managed to kick
since my learning days 17 years ago.

If you don't actually ride the clutch then its not mechanically damaging but
not 'best practice'

MattF

Conor

unread,

Jul 2, 2009, 4:44:04 AM7/2/09

to

In article <>, Andy
Cap says...

>
> > I guess you don't drive much or very far then.
>
> About 10000/year.

So not very much nor very far.

? I've just tried putting my foot on what I take is

> intended to be a rest position and the pedal catches my shoe on the way
> up. Couldn't be doing with that.

I put mine on the floor...

> I do now recall having a bearing fail a
> long time ago, so I may have contributed to it,

You did.

> but certainly not a
> major issue IMO.
>

It is on something modern which usually involves subframe removal and
5hrs labour or more.

Mrcheerful

unread,

Jul 2, 2009, 4:51:30 AM7/2/09

to

Conor wrote:
> In article <>, Andy
> Cap says...
>>
>>> I guess you don't drive much or very far then.
>>
>> About 10000/year.
>
> So not very much nor very far.
>
>
> ? I've just tried putting my foot on what I take is
>> intended to be a rest position and the pedal catches my shoe on the
>> way up. Couldn't be doing with that.
>
> I put mine on the floor...
>
>
>> I do now recall having a bearing fail a
>> long time ago, so I may have contributed to it,
>
> You did.
>
>> but certainly not a
>> major issue IMO.
>>
> It is on something modern which usually involves subframe removal and
> 5hrs labour or more.

Just did my first focus clutch, 6 hours, I reckon the next will be sub 5

Blah

unread,

Jul 2, 2009, 5:17:19 AM7/2/09

to

Duncan Wood wrote:

>> Rob Graham
>>
>>
>
>
> Left foot braking's a very usefull skill :-) Although not really on the
> public highway.

I remember the first time I tried left foot braking - nearly skidded as
my left leg just pressed down hard as it would on the clutch!

Andy Cap

unread,

Jul 2, 2009, 5:42:01 AM7/2/09

to

On Wed, 1 Jul 2009 19:44:04 +0100, Conor <> wrote:

>> About 10000/year.
>
>So not very much nor very far.

So how does the annual mileage make a difference ? I recall having one clutch
changed and have driven several cars to between 100-150,000 miles.

>I put mine on the floor...

Fortunately that does not make it compulsory for all of us.

>> I do now recall having a bearing fail a
>> long time ago, so I may have contributed to it,
>
>You did.

Perhaps, or maybe it was just a crap bearing.

>It is on something modern which usually involves subframe removal and
>5hrs labour or more.

I reckon I can afford 5 hours labour, once ever 50 years, if the alternative is
having to keep waving my leg about. Sad to say, I doubt the bill will ever
materialise.

.

Redwood

unread,

Jul 2, 2009, 8:01:26 AM7/2/09

to

"Mark W" <s@o> wrote in message
news:4a4b8e8e$...

Nah the real test is the numpty from the states who bought a new motorhome
and taking it on the freeway set the cruise control then nipped in the back
to make a cuppa..lol

Blah

unread,

Jul 2, 2009, 9:03:00 AM7/2/09

to

Gordon H

unread,

Jul 6, 2009, 7:43:06 PM7/6/09

to

In message <>, David Hearn
<> writes
>
[...]

>However, having your foot on the 'foot rest' is incompatible with your

>suggested approach of "if you need to stop quickly it is the brake
>pedal she should be worrying about". A few times I've caught my foot

>under the clutch pedal when taking it off the rest and trying to get to
>the brake.

Ouch!
Only the right foot should be used for the brake!
--
Gordon H
Remove "invalid" to reply

Gordon H

unread,

Jul 6, 2009, 7:46:52 PM7/6/09

to

In message <op.uwd585rqhaghkf@lucy>, Duncan Wood <>
writes

:-)
On a rally-experience course we were taught to use the hand brake to
start a slide, not the foot brake.

Gordon H

unread,

Jul 6, 2009, 7:50:27 PM7/6/09

to

In message <4a4b8e8e$>, Mark W
<s@o.?.invalid> writes

>
>So is driving with one's legs crossed. Some cars are so comfortable, it's
>like being in your armchair.
>Hence left foot accelerating and right foot braking. Now there's the test of
>a Real Driver.
>

I briefly drove a 1923 Fiat belonging to a mate while he was learning to
drive in it!
That had reversed pedals, and a gear shift which came up through the
floor. No syncromesh of course, but it had a bloody good klaxon horn.
:-)

Redwood

unread,

Jul 6, 2009, 9:05:11 PM7/6/09

to

"Gordon H" <> wrote in message
news:...

I had the misfortune to drive a fiat cinquecento the other day! Not
advisable with size 12 workboots on lol, hit the brake & accelerator at the
same time, then went to indicate & the farty little stalks are so close
together ended up indicating & putting full beam on. Jeez it was like
driving a greenhouse & felt so unprotected!

What happens when you step on the clutch pedal?

Where do you rest your foot clutch?

What foot should you stop on a clutch pedal?

Do you use your left foot for the clutch?