How to Use the Clutch on a Slope?
2 Answers
Shift into first gear, release the handbrake, and gently release the clutch. Once the vehicle is stable, proceed up the slope, staying as close to the side line as possible within 30 cm, and maintain control of the clutch. Keep the vehicle speed as slow as possible. For a precise stop, use reference points aligned with a marker pole to ensure the front of the car is aligned with the pole, achieving accurate positioning.
When I first learned to drive, I was especially intimidated by starting on a slope. I remember the first time practicing on the slope at driving school, the instructor told me to slowly release the clutch to find the semi-engagement point. When the car body slightly vibrates, keep the left foot steady, quickly move the right foot from the brake to the gas pedal, and gently press down to make the car crawl forward. If the clutch is released too quickly, the engine stalls; if the gas isn't applied in time, the car rolls back. Now, after three years of driving a manual, I don't even need the handbrake when stuck on an overpass slope—it's all about mastering the rhythm of power delivery. The left leg should be as gentle as stepping on cotton, not fighting with the clutch pedal. Practice more on empty slopes to feel the moment the car lifts its nose; once the footwork is honed, it becomes effortless. The key is overcoming the psychological barrier—knowing that if the car rolls back, just hit the brakes and try again.
