How to Stop on a Slope Start?
3 Answers
In the half-clutch state, keep the clutch steady and maintain steering control. When reaching the stopping point, depress the clutch while simultaneously applying the brakes. It is not recommended to maintain half-clutch while braking, as this may easily cause stalling. Instead, depress both pedals together with coordinated force. It is advisable to first depress the clutch before braking. With practice, both pedals can be depressed simultaneously.
With years of driving experience, stopping on a slope is a common scenario for me. I always make sure to pull the handbrake immediately after the car comes to a complete stop. For manual transmission cars, I engage first gear or reverse gear depending on the slope direction, as engine resistance helps prevent rolling. I also have the habit of turning the steering wheel to let the tires rest against the curb as an additional safeguard. Forgetting these steps can be dangerous—once on a rainy hillside, my car slid and nearly caused an accident. Parking isn't just about stopping; it's also about preparing for the restart. When starting, I gradually release the clutch while lightly pressing the accelerator, waiting for the car to gain momentum before releasing the handbrake. The whole process requires practice and patience but ensures safety—once mastered, it's no longer stressful. For automatic transmission cars, it's similar: engage the handbrake before shifting to P. The key is developing the habit of not relying solely on the foot brake on slopes and always observing the road conditions.
When I first got my driver's license, stopping on a slope made me nervous. As soon as the car came to a stop, I immediately pulled the handbrake. For manual transmission cars, remember to shift gears—use reverse gear when facing uphill and first gear when facing downhill to utilize engine braking and prevent rolling. Starting was the scariest part because of the fear of rolling back. Here's how I practiced: press firmly on the foot brake and clutch, shift into gear, slowly release the clutch to the biting point until the car vibrates, lightly press the accelerator, release the handbrake while simultaneously releasing the foot brake in coordination. Find a safe place to practice, like an empty parking lot with slopes, and repeat several times until you get the hang of it. When parking, it's best to turn the wheels toward the curb as a preventive measure—don't be lazy. Safety first for beginners; take it slow, and your confidence will grow.
