How deep should the clutch be depressed?

[kuneeraj]

Hi,

It is known that the clutch must be depressed fully (in an MT) to change gears. However, I still have a doubt, which is:

During the first gear lift off, the gear starts to engage somewhere around half-clutch position. Does this not suggest that it is enough to depress the clutch just beyond the half-clutch position and not necessarily up to the fully depressed position?

Your response is appreciated. BTW, I drive a 2010 GTI, MT.

-NK

[Franco2112]

It depends on the rpm's that you are producing. At high rpm's, lets say 6000 you could shift gears without even using the clutch. This is what's happening to you. You are having to much fun! The VW's clutch set-up is smooth and easy to depress and will make you feel you need to do more. You will get used to it. Enjoy!
Franco

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by kuneeraj

Hi,

It is known that the clutch must be depressed fully (in an MT) to change gears. However, I still have a doubt, which is:

During the first gear lift off, the gear starts to engage somewhere around half-clutch position. Does this not suggest that it is enough to depress the clutch just beyond the half-clutch position and not necessarily up to the fully depressed position?

Your response is appreciated. BTW, I drive a 2010 GTI, MT.

-NK

Your doubts are correct. You do not have to depress the clutch all the way.
Press it just far enough to disengage the clutch, in this case, half way. This produces less wear and tear on the clutch linkage (and your knee) and may just produce smoother shifts.