<P> Slipping the clutch is a popular term in drag racing culture and is done when launching a car, usually in a drag race . Some contend that slipping the clutch is the best way to launch a front - wheel drive (FWD) car as it prevents Torque steering that many FWD cars experience when too much power is put to the front wheels . </P> <P> In a vehicle with a manual transmission, riding the clutch refers to the practice of needlessly keeping the clutch partially disengaged . This results in the clutch being unable to fully engage with the flywheel and so causes premature wear on the disc and flywheel . </P> <P> A common example of riding the clutch is to keep slight continual pressure on the clutch pedal whilst driving, as when a driver habitually rests his / her foot on the clutch pedal instead of on the floorboard or dead pedal . Although this slight pressure is not enough to allow the clutch disc itself to slip, it is enough to keep the release bearing against the release springs . This causes the bearing to remain spinning, which leads to premature bearing failure . </P> <P> When shifting properly, the driver "shifts" to another gear and then releases pressure on the clutch pedal to re-engage the engine to the driveshaft . If the pedal is released quickly, a definite lurch can be felt as the engine and driveshaft re-engage and their speeds equalize . However, if the clutch is released slowly the clutch disc will "slip" against the flywheel; this friction permits the engine a smoother transition to its new rotation speed . Such routine slippage causes wear on the clutch analogous to the wear - and - tear on a brake pad when stopping . Some amount of wear is unavoidable, but with better clutching / shifting technique it can be minimized by releasing the clutch as close to the correct engine speed for the gear and vehicle speed as possible . When upshifting, this will involve allowing the engine speed to fall . Conversely, when downshifting, increasing the engine speed with the accelerator prior to releasing clutch will result in a smoother transition and minimal clutch wear . </P>

What does it mean to slip the clutch