How to Drive a Manual Transmission Vehicle Without Using the Clutch

Reviewed by Jason Shackelford

Last Updated: December 28, 2023

In most manual transmission vehicles it is possible to shift gears without use of the clutch. This is done by matching the engine output RPM with the rotational speed of the vehicle's transmission output. Please note that this can only be done when the vehicle is in motion, the clutch must be used when starting from a dead stop.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

To Upshift

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This will relieve the tension in the transmission. Immediately afterwards, pull the shift lever out of gear.^{[1]
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(NOTE: The amount of pressure required can vary: Too much pressure and the gear can slip in prematurely, resulting in gear grinding. Too little pressure and the gear won't slip in all the way, resulting in gear grinding).^{[2]
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Once the engine RPMs have dropped to match the rotational speed of the transmission output, the shift lever should slip into gear.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

To Downshift

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When the car is in motion and when the current gear is too low to maintain proper power, take your foot off the accelerator and then pull the shift lever out of gear.^{[4]
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While the engine RPMs are dropping, push (or pull) the shift lever in the direction of the desired gear, applying light pressure against the desired gear.
- Once the engine RPMs have matched the rotational speed of the transmission output, the shift lever should slip into gear.^{[6]
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Question

Will this technique damage my cars transmission?

Community Answer

Yes, it can damage your transmission if you do not do it properly.

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When do I need to use the fifth gear?

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On the highway, your highest gear is optimal. When merging onto another highway, downshifting is a good idea so that you can accelerate faster with the higher RPM.

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Question

Will this damage my transmission?

Community Answer

Not if you match the RPMs correctly. If the gears grind then you should just continue with the clutch.

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Tips

Pay attention to engine RPMs, note where specific gears fall in to position (note that this varies with speed). This will help you to more efficiently shift without use of the clutch.

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Warnings

This can ONLY be done when the vehicle is already in motion. Starting a manual transmission vehicle from a dead stop requires the use of the clutch.

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Please note that not all transmissions are "smooth" enough to be shifted without use of the clutch, repeated attempts to do so may damage the transmission if gear grinding is excessive. Some heavier duty transmissions tend to grind gears much more easily and are more difficult to shift without use of the clutch. This is most easily attempted on light duty transmissions such as those in compact/mid-sized cars/SUVs/trucks.

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When downshifting without the clutch, make sure that you let the engine RPMs start to fall before applying pressure against the gear. If you apply pressure beforehand, the gear may attempt to slip in prematurely, resulting in gear grinding.

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