Car Starting Procedure?
3 Answers
1. First, open the car door, sit in the driver's seat, adjust the seat, and fasten the seat belt. 2. Turn on the turn signal to alert vehicles behind and pedestrians. 3. Insert the key to start the ignition. Press the clutch pedal fully with your left foot, shift into first gear with your right hand, and place your right foot on the accelerator pedal. Gently lift the clutch with your left foot until it reaches the semi-engaged state. When the car slightly vibrates, gently press the accelerator with your right foot while releasing the handbrake. Fully release the clutch, and the car will start moving slowly. 4. Once the car is on the road, maintain a straight path, control the steering wheel, and keep your eyes on the road ahead. Starting an automatic transmission car is relatively easier. Press the brake pedal with your right foot, start the ignition, shift into D (Drive) gear, release the handbrake or electronic parking brake, gently release the brake pedal, place your right foot on the accelerator pedal, and gently press it to make the car move slowly.
When I first learned to drive, the starting steps were quite troublesome and had to be done step by step. After sitting in, first adjust the seat and backrest to make yourself comfortable, then adjust the rearview mirror to ensure you can see the sides and the situation behind the car. Then fasten the seat belt—this is crucial because a safe start begins inside the car. Press the brake pedal to start the engine; for a manual transmission car, turn the key, while for an automatic transmission, press the start button. Wait for the engine to start. Check the dashboard to ensure no warning lights are on. When shifting gears, an automatic transmission goes directly to D, while a manual transmission requires pressing the clutch firmly and shifting to 1st gear—don’t make a mistake here. Release the handbrake: for an automatic, deactivate the electronic handbrake; for a manual, lift the handle. Finally, gently press the accelerator to start slowly—beginners shouldn’t rush, as pressing the accelerator too hard can easily stall the engine. It’s recommended to practice more to get familiar with the clutch feel and accelerator pressure. For safety, check the mirrors before starting to confirm there are no people or cars nearby to avoid accidents.
After decades of driving, starting the car has become second nature to me. Don't overlook details like sitting properly, adjusting the rearview mirror, and quickly fastening the seatbelt. Press the brake, start the engine—normal engine sound is good—and briefly check the dashboard lights. For automatic transmissions, shift to D; for manual, smoothly coordinate the clutch and throttle while shifting to a low gear. Release the handbrake and gently press the accelerator to move off smoothly. Beginners fear jerking, but experienced drivers know a gentle start saves fuel and protects the engine. Look ahead when starting, not just at the car in front. Relax your grip on the steering wheel for smoother driving. In city traffic, anticipate green lights to reduce sudden braking.
