What does “double clutching” involve?

Double clutching is a technique used primarily in vehicles with a manual transmission to facilitate smoother gear changes, especially when downshifting. This technique involves pressing the clutch pedal twice during a gear change, which serves to synchronize the engine speed with the transmission speed.

When executing double clutching, the driver first engages the clutch and shifts into neutral. After releasing the clutch, the driver then blips the throttle (increases engine RPM) to match the engine speed with the speed of the transmission's next lower gear. Once this is done, the driver presses the clutch pedal a second time and shifts into the desired gear. By using this method, the driver ensures a smoother transition and reduces wear on the transmission components.

This practice is particularly beneficial in older vehicles or trucks without synchronized gears because it helps to align speeds, making it easier to select gears without grinding. In contrast, techniques such as pressing the clutch once or changing gears without using the clutch do not achieve the same level of synchronization and can lead to rough shifts or increased wear on the transmission.