How many seconds should the handbrake be held during a hill start?
2 Answers
Hold the handbrake for 5 seconds during a hill start. Precautions for hill starts: The initial state is neutral gear, with the foot brake pressed and the handbrake pulled up as tightly as possible. Slowly release the foot brake to ensure the car does not roll backward when the brake is fully released. If necessary, pull the handbrake tighter again, press the clutch, shift into first gear, lightly press the accelerator to maintain engine speed between 1500 and 2000 RPM, release the clutch to the half-clutch position, and continue to slowly release the clutch while simultaneously applying throttle to maintain engine speed. Function of the handbrake: The handbrake provides resistance to prevent the car from rolling when parked. It is used to lock the drive shaft or rear wheels.
Using the handbrake for hill starts is mainly to assist in preventing the vehicle from rolling back, not about holding it stationary for a few seconds. The key lies in the timing of the operation: first, switch from the foot brake to the handbrake and hold it, then slowly release the clutch with your left foot to find the semi-engaged state. When the car body vibrates slightly, immediately press the accelerator lightly with your right foot to raise the tachometer to around 2000 RPM. At this point, as soon as the engine has enough power, release the handbrake promptly. The entire process requires smooth coordination between hands and feet—the moment to release the handbrake is when the power engages, and the faster and steadier the action, the better. Beginners might hesitate for two or three seconds during practice, but with proficiency, it becomes almost simultaneous. Remember, if the accelerator is applied too slowly, the car will roll back when the handbrake is released. Regularly practice this handbrake-accelerator coordination on sloped open areas; after about 10 attempts, you’ll generally grasp the rhythm.
