Scott, a big rig transmission has no synchronizers like a car's standard transmission - they simply don't hold up to the stress. Therefore to synchronize things and get the gears to mesh together everything in that transmission has to be spinning at the proper speed. When you disengage the clutch, things quickly slow down inside the gear box making it difficult to mesh the gears together (grinding). Double clutching re-engages the clutch bringing the rpm of the gears up to match the engine speed which makes shifting a lot smoother. That's a layman's explanation of how it works.
You can accomplish the same thing by floating the gears if you time your shift properly. The clutch stays engaged and things keep spinning at the right speed if done properly.
It's good to know how to double clutch , but 99% of the time experienced drivers never waste the effort of using the clutch.
All states require it on their driving test, and most drivers never do it again after that test.
To engage and then disengage the clutch twice for every gear change.
When double clutching you will push in the clutch, take the gearshift out of gear, release the clutch, press the clutch in again, shift the gearshift into the next gear, then release the clutch.
This is done on standard transmissions which do not have synchronizers in them, like those found in almost all Class A trucks.
To engage and then disengage the clutch twice for every gear change.
When double clutching you will push in the clutch, take the gearshift out of gear, release the clutch, press the clutch in again, shift the gearshift into the next gear, then release the clutch.
This is done on standard transmissions which do not have synchronizers in them, like those found in almost all Class A trucks.
Thanks OS. That answers it perfectly.
Why double clutch?
Because you have to for DMV to pass your skills test and get your CDL. 😄
Unless you test with an automatic and therefore will have an automatic only restriction on your license.
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
To engage and then disengage the clutch twice for every gear change.
When double clutching you will push in the clutch, take the gearshift out of gear, release the clutch, press the clutch in again, shift the gearshift into the next gear, then release the clutch.
This is done on standard transmissions which do not have synchronizers in them, like those found in almost all Class A trucks.
The state agency that handles everything related to your driver's licences, including testing, issuance, transfers, and revocation.
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Why double clutch? Is it better for the transmission? Why not shift like a car with a manual transmission? Just curious. Asked a driver with 30 plus years of driving and he said just float them.
Double Clutch:
To engage and then disengage the clutch twice for every gear change.
When double clutching you will push in the clutch, take the gearshift out of gear, release the clutch, press the clutch in again, shift the gearshift into the next gear, then release the clutch.
This is done on standard transmissions which do not have synchronizers in them, like those found in almost all Class A trucks.