How to Engage Reverse Gear?
2 Answers
First, press the clutch pedal, then directly shift the gear lever to the R position, and finally perform a half-clutch with slight acceleration. First, press the brake pedal, then press the gear lock on the gear lever, and directly pull it down to the R position.
Shifting into reverse gear is something I've been doing with manual transmission cars for over a decade, so I've got plenty of experience to share. The basic procedure is to first come to a complete stop, depress the clutch pedal fully, then use your right hand to push the gear lever—on many cars like Volkswagens or Hondas, you need to shift into neutral first, then press left or down before pushing it into the reverse position. You'll know it's engaged when you hear a click or see the 'R' displayed on the dashboard. Then, gradually release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator to reverse. Don't forget to ensure your surroundings are safe, especially in parking lots—turn your head to check blind spots instead of relying solely on rearview mirrors, as small children or objects can sometimes be missed. For beginners, practice several times in an empty space before hitting the road to avoid damaging the transmission with incorrect operations. Different car models may have slightly different gear lever positions; for instance, Toyotas might be positioned a bit more to the right, so be careful not to make a mistake. Remember, safety comes first—there's no shame in reversing slowly.
