How to Align for Hill Start?
2 Answers
Align the center of the steering wheel with the center guide arrow on the slope, keeping the car body parallel to the lines on both sides; observe the right rearview mirror to ensure the car body is within 30cm of the roadside line. When the lower edge of the left rearview mirror aligns with the thick solid line, press the clutch and brake, pull the handbrake, and stop. Pay attention to the stopping position here. Release the handbrake and turn on the left turn signal. Slowly lift the clutch to the semi-engaged state. When you see the car body shaking, release the brake, and the car will climb the slope at a steady, slow speed.
I remember when I first learned to drive, I was always afraid of not aligning properly during hill starts. Now I understand that it just takes practice. Before stopping on a slope, use the roadside yellow line or a pole as a reference, and check the right rearview mirror to ensure the car body is parallel to the line. Adjust the steering wheel if it's too close or too far. When starting, press the clutch and brake firmly, slowly release the clutch until the car body shakes like shivering, then immediately stabilize the left foot, release the brake, and gently press the accelerator to give some gas. This way, the car moves without rolling back. The key to aligning is not just focusing on the front of the car; look far ahead at the road, and make the movements smooth and continuous. Using the handbrake first makes it even safer. This situation is common in city driving, so I recommend beginners practice a dozen times on empty roads. Once you get used to the rhythm, it becomes second nature.
