Should I Shift to Neutral for Hill Start and Fixed-Point Parking?
2 Answers
When learning the technique of hill start with a manual transmission car, you should shift to neutral. According to the procedure, first pull the handbrake, press the accelerator to at least 2000 RPM, then release the clutch until it drops to around 1000 RPM. After that, release the handbrake, slightly release the clutch while adding a bit more throttle, and the car will naturally climb the slope. Here is an extended explanation: Fixed-point introduction: Once the fixed-point position is reached, firmly pull the handbrake and then pull it two more times to ensure it is tightly secured. At this point, slowly release the brake with your right foot. If you feel the car no longer rolls backward, it means the handbrake is tight enough, and you can move your right foot to the accelerator.
When I first got my driver's license, I also struggled with this. The instructor taught that for hill-start parking, you must press the clutch and brake while pulling the handbrake, keeping the gear in first after the car comes to a complete stop. When starting, slowly release the clutch to the biting point, feel the car vibrate, then release the handbrake and press the accelerator—no need to touch neutral at all. Now, after five or six years of driving myself, I've realized that using neutral on a slope is particularly dangerous. If your foot slips off the brake or the handbrake isn't tight enough, the car will immediately roll back. The key to hill starts is quickly engaging the power; shifting to neutral is unnecessary and only adds risk. The sound of the transmission gears clashing is heartbreaking to hear.