How to Use Clutch and Brake When Starting on a Slope and Going Downhill?
2 Answers
When the car starts on the slope, you can fully release the clutch and brake pedals, waiting for the car to gradually climb to the top of the slope before starting the descent. At the beginning of the descent, you should place your right foot on the brake pedal and lightly press the brake as needed to control the speed, ensuring the car doesn't go too fast downhill. Here are the common reasons for failing the Subject 2 driving test: 1. Failing to enter the parking space correctly or running over the boundary line during reverse parking; 2. Poor control of the clutch pedal, leading to excessive speed; 3. Inaccurate stopping during slope parking and starting; 4. Operational errors during starting, causing the engine to stall; 5. Unfamiliarity with the test area and nervousness; 6. Forgetting the reference points during curve driving, resulting in running over the line.
I've been driving for over a decade, handling both manual and automatic transmissions, and the key to hill descent starts boils down to one word: coordination. My routine is to firmly press the brake to prevent the car from rolling back, then slowly release the clutch with my left foot until it reaches the biting point—stopping when I feel a slight vibration in the vehicle. At this point, I gently tap the accelerator with my right foot to raise the RPM to around 1500, stabilize it, and then gradually release the brake. Throughout the process, the clutch remains at a half-engaged state, not fully released, allowing the car to ease down the slope. On steeper inclines, I add a tiny bit more throttle to prevent stalling and release the brake extra slowly to avoid sudden lurching. On rainy days with slippery roads, I take even more care, slowing my movements to prevent skidding. For beginners, I recommend practicing in a safe, open area multiple times, focusing on developing that sense of coordination—the clutch controls power, the brake manages speed, and mastering this balance saves fuel and ensures safety. I often use this technique at urban traffic lights on downhill slopes; with enough practice, even heavy traffic won’t faze you.
