How to Perform a Launch Control Start in a Civic?
3 Answers
Activate the launch control mode; turn off the vehicle's ESP stability system; press the brake pedal fully with your left foot; press the accelerator pedal fully with your right foot; wait for the RPM to climb to the optimal launch RPM. The maximum RPM the transmission can withstand without the drive wheels slipping. Starting the vehicle at this RPM will provide the best acceleration.
Launching a Civic is actually quite simple but requires caution. I usually find an open and safe area first, making sure the ground is dry, then turn off ESP and traction control. Shift to D, press the brake pedal firmly, and gradually press the accelerator with the right foot to stabilize the RPM around 3000 – you'll feel slight wheel creep at this point. Then instantly release the brake while flooring the accelerator, causing the engine RPM to surge sharply with intense acceleration. Note that doing this too often with an automatic transmission isn't advisable, as the CVT can overheat easily. After each launch, let the car rest for about 30 minutes. Also, tire wear increases noticeably, so check tire pressure properly. Beginners should practice quick starts first rather than flooring it immediately.
When I drive my Civic manual, I often do launch control, but the method is slightly different. First, press the clutch and shift into first gear, then rev the throttle with your right foot to 3500 RPM. At this point, quickly release the clutch with your left foot while flooring the throttle. The key is the timing of the clutch release—too fast and the engine stalls, too slow and the RPM drops, ruining the launch. When the front wheels lose traction, the steering wheel suddenly feels lighter, so you need to grip it firmly in advance. After doing this, remember to check the clutch disc for wear—if you smell burning, you’ve overdone it. This maneuver is quite harsh on the clutch assembly, so I recommend upgrading to reinforced parts before attempting it.
