[Jeff Higgins]

With the tremendous mechanical advantage offered by the clutch linkage and the clutch pedal itself, it's easy to lose sight of how much pressure it takes to release that clutch. While the throwout bearing will probably outlive you, all of that pressure is pushing the crank aft against the thrust bearing. Like a couple thousand pounds of pressure. Do it a favor and slide into neutral as you coast up to that stop light. Don't re-engage first until ready to roll. Then, of course, hammer the bejeezus out of it and don't shift 'tlll she starts to blubber...