How to Slip the Clutch

When you slip the clutch--also known as feathering--you're essentially letting the clutch pedal up slowly. This is good for giving you increased control of the vehicle and a nice smooth start, but tends to wear out a clutch faster than "dumping" or letting up on it quickly. Some race car drivers also use slipping the clutch while applying a lot of pressure to the gas pedal at the same time to launch their car quickly.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Start with the clutch pedal pressed all the way in with your left foot.

2. Let up on the clutch pedal slowly with your left foot.

3. Press down on the gas pedal slowly with your right foot. You should be pressing down at about the same speed as your left foot is letting up. If you stomp on the gas pedal, you will rev the engine and then spin the wheels until the car basically launches forward--useful for racing, but not recommended for everyday driving.

4. Continue letting up on the clutch slowly until the transmission engages and the vehicle moves. At this point, you can either slip the clutch again by slowly pressing down on it to reduce power to the wheels, or you can let it up completely and drive the vehicle.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to apply or remove pressure from the clutch pedal relatively slowly, over the course of two or three seconds instead of letting the pedal up in one quick motion.

References

• Feathering the Clutch
• Prelude Driver