I recently heard about double-clutching. I'm not sure it is necessary in modern cars but I wonder if anyone here does this.

Double-declutching was a method used to change gear before synchromesh gearboxes were standard issue. The gear was momentarily put into neutral while the engine revs were matched to the new gear before declutching a second time and engaging the new gear. The method was also taught by Police driving instructors as part of teaching police drivers the system of car control as advocated in Roadcraft, the Police Driver's Manual. It isn't necessary with modern gearboxes, though you should still match the engine revs to the new gear before re-engaging the clutch, ie. a blip on the accelerator when changing down. It will avoid clutch drag and with lengthen the life of the clutch and transmission.

I do it instinctively while driving now, and will use it where a car's electronics rule out heel & toe downshifting.

Definitely helps smooth out downshifts, but takes a while to get used to it.

I thought double-D clutching when what I was doing in Prague that night...

I'll get my coat.

I thought double-D clutching when what I was doing in Prague that night...

I'll get my coat.

You normally get thrown out for that! :P Unless it's a "special" place in Prague?

Yeah there was an extra fee payable.

Double-de-clutching with a synchromesh gearbox will not help unless the synchro cones are knackered. If the technique is rushed or done in an undisciplined way, more strain and wear is placed on the synchromesh mechanism than if a `single clutch` techniue is used, (properly- not slashing through the gate). `Little Jo` suggests blipping the accelerator when changing down - fine, but a progressive pressure on the pedal will find the exact rev match before you let the clutch up on the down change which makes for such smoothness, you wont feel it, plus virtually no wear on the clutch plate.