How to enable automatic clutch in City Car Driving: instructions for beginners

In the simulator City Car Driving Automatic clutch is not enabled by default - this feature must be activated manually through the settings menu or using hotkeys. If, when you try to start, the car stalls and the clutch pedal does not respond to pressure, the problem lies in the incorrectly selected transmission mode. Most often, users are confused manual clutch mode (where you need to independently control the pedal) with automatic, which simplifies operation for beginners.

Before changing settings, check the current mode: the transmission indicator is displayed in the upper right corner of the screen. If it is indicated there Manual Clutch: ON, this means the clutch is operating in manual mode. To disable it, you don't have to restart the game - just use a key combination or change the options in the menu Controls. Next, we will analyze both methods, and also tell you how to eliminate typical errors due to which the automatic clutch may not work.

Where is the auto clutch setting in City Car Driving?

The main way to activate the automatic clutch is through the control settings menu. To do this:

1. Launch the game and go to the main menu.
2. Select an item Options → Controls.
3. Go to the tab Transmission.
4. Find the parameter Clutch Mode and set the value Automatic.

After applying the changes, the automatic clutch will work in all driving modes, including driving school exams and free movement around the city. Please note: in some versions of the simulator this parameter may be called Clutch Assistance or Auto Clutch — the essence remains the same.

Hot keys for quick clutch shifting

Not everyone knows that in City Car Driving You can switch the clutch mode right during the game without going into the menu. The following hotkeys are used for this:

• 🔹 Ctrl + Alt + C — turn on/off automatic clutch.
• 🔹 F9 — reset all control settings (including clutch) to standard.
• 🔹 P — pause to have time to change parameters without stopping the game.

If the combination Ctrl+Alt+C does not work, check whether it conflicts with other programs (for example, hotkey managers or antivirus). In this case, reassign the combination in the menu Controls → Hotkeys.

⚠️ Attention: In multi-user mode (Multiplayer) clutch hotkeys can be disabled by the server administrator. In this case, you can change the settings only through the menu.

Why the automatic clutch doesn't work: 5 common reasons

Even after proper adjustment, the clutch may not activate. Here are the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Problem	Reason	Solution
Clutch won't shift to automatic	Conflict with mod or plugin	Disable all mods in the folder Mods and restart the game
The car stalls when starting	Incorrect physics settings	On the menu Options → Physics install Realism Level on Medium
Hotkeys don't work	Keys are occupied by another program	Reassign the combination in the game settings
Clutch indicator flashes	Damaged configuration files	Delete the file config.ini in the game folder (the settings will be reset)

If the problem persists, check the integrity of the game files via Steam (right button on the game → Properties → Local files → Integrity check). In pirated versions, automatic clutch can be disabled at the code level - in this case, only an official purchase will help.

How to check that the automatic clutch is engaged

To make sure the settings are applied correctly, run a simple test:

1. Enter free ride mode (Free Ride).
2. Start the car and try to get going without pressing the clutch pedal.
3. If the car starts moving smoothly, the automatic clutch is working.
4. If the engine stalls, the clutch is still in manual mode.

An additional indicator is the behavior of the clutch pedal on the screen. In automatic mode it should independently press and release when changing gears, even if you don't touch the key LMB (default).

Make sure the game is updated to the latest version|

Check if the settings conflict with the steering wheel or gamepad|

Disable all mods if installed|

Restart the game after changing settings -->

Features of automatic clutch in different versions of the game

Automatic clutch functionality differs depending on version City Car Driving:

• 🔹 Version 1.5.8 and below: The automatic clutch only works in Arcade (simplified physics).
• 🔹 Version 1.6.0–1.7.5: The function is available in all modes, but may conflict with manual gear shifting.
• 🔹 Version 1.8.0 and later: Added a separate setting Clutch Sensitivity for fine adjustment of sensitivity.

In older versions (before 1.5.8), the automatic clutch often operates with a delay, which can interfere with passing exams. If you use a pirated build, the functionality may be reduced or not work correctly.

How to find out the version of City Car Driving?

Open the main menu of the game and look at the lower right corner of the screen - the current version is indicated there (for example, 1.7.5.2). If there is no information, check the game properties in Steam (right button → Properties → Local files).

Automatic clutch and driving school exams: what you need to know

In driving school mode (Driving School) Automatic clutch is permitted, but its use may affect the score. Instructors in the game reduce points for:

• 📉 Sharp jerks at start (even in automatic mode).
• 📉 Delays when shifting gears (if the clutch operates too slowly).
• 📉 Incomplete clutch release when stopping (in manual mode).

To pass the exam with a machine gun, follow these rules:

1. Drive smoothly, without sharp gas.
2. Shift gears early, without bringing the speed to the red zone.
3. Before stopping at a traffic light or sign STOP press the brake pedal early - the automatic clutch will disengage the transmission itself.

⚠️ Attention: On the exam Parallel parking the automatic clutch may interfere with precise control. For this exercise, it is better to temporarily switch to manual mode (Ctrl+Alt+C).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about automatic clutch in City Car Driving

Is it possible to use automatic clutch with steering wheel?

Yes, but you need to reassign the keys in the menu Controls. By default, the auto clutch may conflict with the steering pedals if they emulate keyboard buttons. It is recommended to disable pedal emulation in the steering wheel settings and use separate axes for gas/brake.

Why does the car jerk when the automatic clutch is engaged?

This occurs due to the clutch being too sensitive. On the menu Options → Controls → Transmission reduce the parameter Clutch Sensitivity up to 50–70%. Also check if the mode is enabled Hardcore Physics — it makes control more rigid.

How to disable automatic clutch back?

Use the same combination Ctrl+Alt+C or return to menu Controls and select Clutch Mode: Manual. If the game does not respond, check if the settings in the file are correct config.ini (find it in the game folder and delete it to reset).

Does auto clutch work in multiplayer mode?

Depends on the server. The feature is available on official servers, but administrators of private servers can disable it to increase realism. Before entering Multiplayer check the rules on a specific server.

Is it possible to customize the automatic clutch for a specific car?

No, clutch settings are in City Car Driving global and apply to all vehicles. However, you can create a separate management profile in the menu Controls → Profiles and switch between them depending on the car.