How to prevent stalling during the fixed-point hill climb in Subject 2?
3 Answers
Methods to prevent stalling during the fixed-point hill climb in Subject 2: 1. Clutch + Brake Method: First, start the engine with the clutch fully depressed and the brake firmly pressed. Slowly lift the clutch while keeping the heel stationary and gently raising the ball of the foot. When you hear the engine roar for the first time, hold the clutch steady, then slowly lift it a bit more. Upon hearing the second roar, stabilize the clutch again and immediately release the brake. After the car moves for 3 seconds, you can fully release the clutch to proceed uphill. To keep the clutch more stable, adjust the seat beforehand so that your knees are pressed against the car. 2. Handbrake + Throttle Method: However, some places allow using the handbrake + throttle method for hill climbing. During fixed-point parking, after stopping with the foot brake, engage the handbrake, then release the foot brake. Lift the clutch slightly with your left foot and hold it steady, while revving the engine with your right foot. When the RPM reaches around 2500, release the handbrake to ensure no stalling, though this method is prohibited in many places.
When I was practicing the slope start in Subject 2, my car kept stalling. Later, I found the key lies in coordinating the clutch and throttle. Before starting, fully depress the clutch and shift into first gear, then lightly press the throttle to raise the RPM to around 1500. At this point, slowly release the clutch until you feel the front of the car slightly lift and the body begin to vibrate—this is the half-clutch point. Hold the clutch steady and then gradually release the brake, and the car will start smoothly. During practice, pay close attention to changes in the engine sound; when it sounds muffled, it indicates insufficient power, and you should add a bit more throttle. Never rush to release the clutch, especially since exam cars and training cars have different clutch heights—you need to readjust every time you switch vehicles. At the driving school, I practiced on the slope for two hours every day, and it took me a week to master finding the half-clutch point. The most important thing is to stay calm; the more nervous you are, the more likely you are to lift your foot too quickly and cause the car to stall.
I have a lot to say about stalling on hill starts. I practiced that slope at the driving range seven or eight times a day. The trick is to release the clutch pedal with your left foot like adjusting an IV drip—little by little. When you feel the steering wheel shaking violently, freeze your left foot. Then quickly add some throttle with your right foot to stabilize the RPM at around 2000. Release the brake slowly, and don't rush to fully release the clutch even when the car starts moving—maintain semi-clutch engagement until you crest the hill. Once I mistakenly started in second gear and stalled immediately—my instructor said first gear is mandatory for hill climbs. Wear thin-soled shoes during practice; thick soles make it hard to feel the clutch's subtle vibrations. Parking position on the slope also affects your starting angle—being too close to the stop line makes rollback stalling much more likely. Rainy hill climbs are extra risky; practice throttle-clutch coordination on flat ground when the road is wet.
