Out for a test drive with a client recently, the driver downshifted prior to each stop sign, and let the clutch do the braking. With each deceleration, he let the clutch out at idle RPMs, which made me cringe. When we parked the Bugeye, I could smell the hot clutch complaining. So I thought I would make a new rev-match video for anyone less current on manual transmission cars.
It’s difficult to show with all the wind noise you hear from our convertibles, but the basic concept is that you want the clutch to meet the engine with the least friction possible, and by blipping the throttle while easing out the clutch, the union of the spinning surfaces is more gentle with less wear on all moving parts.
You can still use engine braking to decelerate, but make sure you are kind to your clutch when you do!
