How to Use the Clutch for Hill Starts?
2 Answers
When driving halfway up a slope, press the brake and clutch simultaneously and slowly to bring the car to a stop on the slope. For a hill start, first press the brake and clutch; then shift into first gear while placing your right hand on the handbrake. When the clutch is lifted to the point where the vehicle begins to vibrate, keep your foot steady on the clutch, release the handbrake, gently press the accelerator, and then release the clutch to start the vehicle.
The first time I learned hill starts, my palms were sweating from nervousness. The instructor taught me to press the brake with my right foot, slowly release the clutch with my left foot until feeling the car slightly vibrate, then hold that position. Next, gently press the accelerator while releasing the brake to prevent rolling back. Looking back now, the key is practicing multiple times to find the clutch's biting point where the engine and wheels synchronize. Start practicing on gentle slopes first, avoiding steep hills. Remember, don’t release the clutch too quickly after starting, or the engine may stall. This experience taught me that driving requires calmness and gradually developing a feel.