clutch and gas

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by BobCarnell, Nov 25, 2021.

  1. BobCarnell

    BobCarnell Bobtail Member

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    Nov 25, 2021
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    I'm about to apply to CDL school and I've been watching the videos about the in-cab inspection...brake check. It seems they put the truck in first gear, but, nobody mentions keeping the gas engaged when letting off the clutch as you would with a car in gear. Is it necessary to give it gas when you have the truck in gear and release the clutch like a car?
     
    austinmike Thanks this.
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  3. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    No. You just ease out the clutch and get it started rolling before you gas on it. And the clutch is not like a car either. You only push it in part way when shifting. All the way down engages a clutch brake that makes it easier to get into gear when stopped.
     
  4. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Never use the throttle when taking off. If it stalls or shudders/shakes when taking off you're in too high of gear. With the amount of torque available in the low RPM range you can literally tear that truck apart.

    Good rule of thumb when driving a truck is never have a foot on the clutch and the throttle at the same time. One or the other.
     
  5. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Yup. Even 140,000 lbs stopped on an 8% grade. Just ease out the clutch until it’s idling away with your foot off the pedal then apply the throttle. Definitely bull low first gear for that.
     
    Zoltan1a and MACK E-6 Thank this.
  6. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Do not apply the accelerator until clutch pedal is fully up. This is a fundamental difference between semi-trucks & passenger cars.
     
    MACK E-6 Thanks this.
  7. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    A truck isn’t geared like a Honda Accord. No throttle needed to get moving.

    I can actually take off with no throttle in my pickup.
     
  8. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    "ooh, that smell,,,can't you smell that smell",,:eek:
     
  9. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    Just a small point. Learn to use the words "throttle" or "accelerator" as opposed to "Gas Pedal. We all know what you are referring to, but, many CDL instructors will correct you on that.......over and over and over! Just some food for thought.
     
    GYPSY65 and buddyd157 Thank this.
  10. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    To me it was always a "foot feed",,
     
  11. Dockbumper

    Dockbumper Road Train Member

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    I'll bet you call the brake pedal the "Treadle Valve" too! Lol:D:cool:
     
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