Question about hydraulic clutch?

Question

I recently bought a car (2000 VW Jetta) that has a hydraulic clutch. I've driven standards all my life (I learned to drive on a tractor lol) but they've all been cable clutches. What's the difference? Also, I need help with the whole down-shifting process. I've always just put it in neutral and coasted to a stop (my hometown has no stoplights). I've heard a good rule of thumb is if it's between 10-20 2nd gear, 20-30 3rd gear; is that true? Is it better to leave it in gear longer or put it in neutral when you know you have to slow down? I'm sure these questions are going to seem pretty basic, but I appreciate your help!

Answer 1

Hydraulic clutches are nice. They never need to be adjusted. Sometimes cable clutches need to be from time to time. Down shifting is a good way to save your brakes a little. Its not hard on the engine or clutch if done right.  The speeds you talked about sounds about right to me. It may change a little if your going up or down a hill. Look at your tack it you have one. You don't want rev the engine to fast and you don't want to use the clutch to slow down the car. Let the clutch out all the way. When down shifting don't hold it half way down. Good luck with the Jetta and have a happy day.  

Answer 2

Operationally, there is no difference between a hydraulically operated clutch and a cable operated clutch.  Physically, the hydraulic clutch has a master cylinder at the clutch pedal and a slave cylinder at the clutch these two cylinders are connected with a fluid line that allows the motion from the pedal to be transferred to the clutch mechanism.  A cable clutch transfers the pedal motion through the use of a confined cable that is fastened on one end to the pedal and other end to the clutch.

As far as when to down shift, I would recommend that you down shift when the engine RPM drops below about 1200 to 1500.  This keeps the engine in a good operating range.  If you are stopping, you should press the clutch pedal when the engine speed drops to around 1000 RPM.  The clutch should be operated smoothly so that the ride is not jerky, but also quickly so that the clutch is not allowed to build up too much heat and wear out too fast.  Always press the clutch pedal all the way down when shifting and take your foot completely off the pedal when the shift is complete.