---
title: "What Is Double Clutching and Should I Actually Care?"
description: "Double clutching is an alternative method to changing gears, but what is it and when should you use it? Find out more in our article, crafted by the pros!"
date: "2020-12-18"
modified: "2020-12-18"
authors:
  - name: "Tony Markovich"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/tony-markovich"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/cars-101/37759/double-clutch"
categories:
  - "Cars 101"
  - "The Garage"
tags:
  - "commerce"
  - "NoAds"
---

# What Is Double Clutching and Should I Actually Care?

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2020/11/S2000_CR_Ptype.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

In a car with a [manual transmission](<https://www.thedrive.com/cars-101/29010/how-to-drive-a-manual-transmission>), the driver uses a clutch pedal every time they shift into or out of gear. Let off the gas, press the clutch, effortlessly move the stick shift from one gear to another, and release the clutch while giving it more gas. That’s all made possible by small parts within the gearbox known as synchronizers, among several other pieces of the mechanical puzzle.

Synchronizers, or synchromesh gears, are what make shifts smooth and quick. They also eliminate the need to double clutch, or the act of using the clutch twice during each shift.

If you drive a modern vehicle, there’s virtually no reason you will ever need to double clutch, but don’t lie: You’ve never fully understood the reference from that one Vin Diesel movie, and it’s always been a bugger in the back of your head. The day has come to finally learn all about double clutching. Get in, pizza boy.

## What Is Double Clutching?

In simple terms, double clutching is the act of using the clutch pedal twice during a single shift between gears. Starting in motion in fifth gear, it goes like this:

Clutch in, shifter out of fifth into neutral, clutch out, quick hit of gas pedal, clutch in, shifter out of neutral into fourth. If you are upshifting, the throttle blip is not necessary.

In a car without synchronizers inside of its transmission, double clutching is used to essentially mesh the gears, the input shafts, and the output shafts together for smooth transmissions of power.

![The black interior of the Honda S2000 CR Prototype features a manual transmission.](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1606950555260-hondas2000_cr_prototype.jpg>)
*A Honda S2000 is an iconic manual sports car., *Honda**

## Is a Double Clutch the Same as a Dual Clutch?

I think you have your wire crossed up a bit. Double clutching is a verb, as in to double clutch. There is no such thing as a double clutch. A [dual-clutch transmission](<https://www.thedrive.com/cars-101/37239/paddle-shifters>) is a type of automatic transmission that uses two clutch packs. One pack handles the odd gears, while the other handles the even gears.

## What Is a Clutch Pack?

A clutch pack is a mechanically and/or hydraulically actuated assembly of friction plates, metal, springs, and pistons within an automatic transmission housing that enables a car to shift through the gears.

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The Drive has partnered with Skip Barber, the legendary racing school, to ensure that when you first prime your car’s ignition, you won’t fly off into a ditch.

![A metal ball shifter sits atop a black shift boot with yellow contrast stitching.](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1606950633251-hondas2000_cr_ptype.jpg>)
*The Honda S2000 is known for its high-revving engine., *Honda**

## FAQs About Double Clutching

You’ve got questions, *The Drive* has answers!

## Let’s Talk, Comment Below To Talk With The Drive’s Editors!

We’re here to be expert guides in everything How-To related. Use us, compliment us, yell at us. Comment below and let’s talk! You can also shout at us on Twitter or Instagram. Here are our profiles.

Jonathon Klein: Twitter ([@jonathon.klein](<https://twitter.com/jonathon_klein>)), Instagram ([@jonathon\_klein](<https://www.instagram.com/jonathon_klein/>))

Tony Markovich: Twitter ([@T\_Marko](<https://twitter.com/T_Marko>)), Instagram ([@t\_marko](<https://www.instagram.com/t_marko/>))

Chris Teague: Twitter ([@TeagueDrives](<https://twitter.com/TeagueDrives>)), Instagram ([@TeagueDrives](<https://www.instagram.com/teaguedrives/>))

https://youtube.com/embed/tescWzTlGQ0

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*Got a question? Got a pro tip? Send us a note:* [*guidesandgear@thedrive.com*](<mailto:guidesandgear@thedrive.com>)

## Author
Tony Markovich is a former Senior Editor at The Drive, departing in 2022.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/t_marko/>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/T_Marko>)