A Guide For Shifting Gears in Big Trucks
Driving a big truck with a manual transmission is a skill that experienced truckers have. If you’re used to a regular car with a stick shift, get ready for something different when you drive a big truck. In big trucks, smooth gear changes depend on a technique called double clutching.
Breaking Down Double Clutching
Unlike the simple process of shifting gears in a regular manual car, handling a semi-truck demands finesse and a unique approach. Double clutching involves a two-step process when changing gears. First, press the clutch to pull the gear out, let go of the clutch, and then press it again to shift into the desired gear.
Release the Clutch Slowly
When double clutching, avoid letting go of the clutch suddenly. Release it smoothly. Moving between gears should be easy, without any sudden bumps. This helps make the ride comfortable and prevents extra wear on the transmission.
Keep an Eye on Your Truck
While shifting gears, watch out for any signs of trouble. If you feel a bump or have difficulty shifting, it’s a sign that something might be wrong. It could be your technique or an issue with the transmission.
Pick a Reliable Transmission
A good truck driver not only learns the technique but also makes sure the equipment is up to the job. Regular checks and understanding your truck’s transmission are important. Choosing a reliable transmission means your truck will last longer and work better.
Get Proper Training
Driving a big truck with a manual transmission is a unique skill that deserves respect. Whether you’re experienced or just starting, mastering double clutching gives you better control and makes your ride smoother. To master these skills, it’s important to have proper training and practice. At Elite Truck School, we have over 20 years of experience training drivers in the Greater Portland area. Our skilled instructors work with students to ensure they understand proper shifting techniques along with other aspects of what it takes to be a safe and successful truck driver.
Get CDL training from a local leader by calling us today at 503-615-8465!
FAQs
Release the Clutch Slowly
Why is double clutching hard? ›
Double clutching can be difficult to master, as it requires the driver to gauge the speed of the vehicle and throttle to the intended gear accurately; vehicle weight and road gradient are important factors as they influence the vehicle's acceleration or deceleration during the shift.
Does double clutching improve performance? ›
By reducing the strain on the transmission and improving the car's stability and momentum, double clutching can help the car accelerate more quickly and handle more effectively, resulting in faster lap times and better performance on the track.
How do you double clutch in real life? ›
You need to disconnect the engine from the gearbox when selecting a new gear, and the clutch facilitates this. Double clutching is when you depress the clutch once as you take the car out of gear, then release and depress it a second time before slotting the gear lever into the next gear.
What not to do in dual clutch? ›
Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Dual Clutch Transmission
- Putting Your Car In Neutral. ...
- Taking Your Foot Off The Brake When Stationary. ...
- Don't Keep Your Car In Place With The Accelerator. ...
- Improper Set-Off.
Double clutching was necessary in older vehicles, usually in downshifting, because they lacked synchronizers. In a car with synchronizers, you will cause extra wear on them, so yes, it is bad in a modern car.
What is a granny shift? ›
Granny shifting is the usual way of shifting gears. Engage clutch, change gear, let go of clutch. Many a times people, when their revs(revolutions) are low still up shift. This gives more traction though it's not very good. A perfect balance of revs in gear changing is what you should aim for.
Is double clutching easier than floating? ›
"Floating" your gears is simply a form of clutchless shifting. By changing gears without a clutch, you obviously limit wear and tear on your clutch system and, with skill, shift just as easily as someone employing the double clutch method.
How can I improve my clutch performance? ›
Therefore, it's important to be aware of some of the ways to increase your chances of creating a clutch performance. Increasing confidence, having the right level of perceived control, appraising your skills with a challenge mindset and practicing under pressure will all help lead to a clutch performance.
When should I double clutch? ›
There are a few instances where it could be used, but all involve racing and not everyday road use - such as powering into a corner where you need to change down quickly, and when overtaking and need to quickly accelerate by shifting down into a lower gear.
A: If you drive a modern manual car, you do not need to double clutch. It is no longer inherently good nor bad, though some people would say it makes shifting more deliberate, which extends life.
Can you troll a double-clutch? ›
They troll well, flat lined or downrigged for both fresh water and estuary species. When trolling for lake trout I always love to have one on a long flat line out the back of the spread, shot gun style, even if it is later in the day and I'm downrigging the other rods.
Is double clutching required for CDL? ›
When taking your driving test for your CDL, do you have to use your clutch through all the gears when shifting? A: Most states will require double clutching when taking the CDL Skills test. You will not have to go through all the gears, but you must be able to select the proper gear for the road condition.
How do you engage a clutch smoothly? ›
By gradually releasing the clutch pedal while simultaneously applying the gas pedal, the driver can engage the clutch and transfer power from the engine to the wheels smoothly, preventing stalling or jerky movements.
When should you double-clutch? ›
There are a few instances where it could be used, but all involve racing and not everyday road use - such as powering into a corner where you need to change down quickly, and when overtaking and need to quickly accelerate by shifting down into a lower gear.
