Heel and Toe

A performance-oriented technique of changing down a gear in a manual car whilst braking. It requires the driver to use all three pedals simultaneously, and is used to produce smooth power flow and long gearbox life.

The driver must:

1. Brake with their right toe.
2. Depress the clutch with the left foot whilst continuing to brake.
3. Shift to neutral.
4. Blip the accelerator with the side or the heel of the right foot to raise rpm (still braking).
5. Shift to a lower gear.
6. Let the clutch out.
7. Release the brake.

Although this technique may be difficult to master, after practice it can be performed in less than a second.