The '' doublet '' was used in the early twentieth century before transmissions were synchronous and when the clutch could not be activated without the use of this technique. It is still used today, mainly in the racing world, because it allows for more effective climbing. If you're interested in learning how to downshift using the clutch twice to enter corners, instead of messing up the drivetrain and brakes, here's how.
Steps
Step 1. Learn to recognize situations where a shotgun is useful
In the days leading up to the synchromesh transmission, double pressing the clutch was necessary to downshift, unless you wanted to destroy the gearbox. Nowadays, it is possible to downshift to your liking without pressing the pedal twice, even if the gear shifting will not be as smooth and the revs will go up. But here are two reasons why you might want to downshift by pressing the clutch twice with your manual transmission car:
- For a smoother shift, especially when you shift more than one gear. If you're taking a bend and don't want to brake too much, you can downshift from fourth to second, for example. Normally, skipping a gear without using the double clutch technique will result in a poor shifting.
- Prolong the life and health of the synchronous. When downshifting from third to second, for example, second gear synchronously takes some time to do its job, which means the gears won't flow very well. The shotgun, if done correctly, will allow you to change gears instantly, safeguarding the life of your synchronous.
Step 2. Find an empty parking space
It is best to practice in an area with little traffic. While the double is not very difficult, you should minimize the risk of something going wrong when you are still learning.
Step 3. Start in a low gear to practice
Accelerate to third, for example, and press the clutch as you would for a normal gear shift. Up to this point, you are not doing anything that you have not already done.
Step 4. While holding the clutch, shift to neutral and release your foot from the clutch
You should reach around 40km / h with the transmission in neutral.
Step 5. Press the accelerator - with the car still in neutral - to increase the RPM
Your goal is to press the throttle until the revs are slightly higher than you would in the lowest gear at the current speed, to help balance engine and transmission speeds.
To understand the concept, imagine what happens when you just downshift from third to second without pressing the clutch twice. Engine revs go up a lot right? Well, the goal of this technique is to bring the laps closer to those that would result from a normal climb before it takes place. In this way the pressure on the transmission, and consequently the wear, will be reduced to a minimum
Step 6. With your foot on the accelerator, press the clutch once more
This is the part of the technique that gives it the name "double clutch". This is the second time you press the clutch before downshifting into a lower gear.
Step 7. Shift from neutral to the desired gear
Step 8. Release the clutch, faster than you normally would
You did. Start practicing this technique at low gears and speeds. As you get better at it, you can gradually increase the walking speed and the speed of the execution of the technique.
