Should the Brake Be Released Slowly or Directly When Starting on a Slope?
2 Answers
When starting on a slope, the brake should be released slowly. Releasing it directly can easily cause the engine to stall, leading to the vehicle rolling backward and creating a safety hazard. When starting on a slope, the left foot should slowly release the clutch pedal until the vehicle begins to vibrate. At this point, the foot should be held steady in this position to confirm whether the vehicle has the tendency and power to move forward. Do not continue to lift the clutch pedal to prevent stalling. When the vehicle starts to move forward, the right hand should then completely release the handbrake, and the throttle should be applied slowly. When starting on a slope, if the throttle is not applied, it is likely that the idle speed will be insufficient to drive the vehicle up the slope, causing the engine to stall. The three common mistakes when starting on a slope are: insufficient throttle, improper timing of releasing the handbrake, and poor coordination between the throttle and clutch. Therefore, the throttle should be applied promptly, with the amount depending on the slope—more throttle for steep slopes and less for gentle slopes. Secondly, the timing of releasing the handbrake should be well judged. Releasing it too early can cause the vehicle to roll backward, while releasing it too late can cause the engine to stall. The best timing is when the clutch pedal is lifted to the semi-engaged position and the engine sound changes, at which point the handbrake should be released immediately. The coordination between the throttle and clutch is also very important. Besides slope starts, daily gear shifting requires mastering the coordination between the throttle and clutch, with the key points being to lift the clutch gently and apply the throttle slowly.
I remember when I first started driving, starting on a slope was really nerve-wracking. Once on a steep road, I simply released the brake, and the car suddenly rolled backward, almost hitting the car behind me, which made my palms sweat. Since then, I've learned my lesson: when starting on a slope, I must release the brake slowly, not all at once. This allows the car to move gradually, preventing it from sliding. With a manual transmission, you also need to coordinate with the clutch: press the clutch, shift into first gear, slowly release the brake until the car starts to move slightly, then add gas and release the clutch. Automatic transmission cars have a creep function; slowly releasing the brake ensures a smooth power connection for safety. Every time I park on a slope, I remind myself not to rush—releasing the brake bit by bit keeps things steady. After practicing a few times, it becomes natural. The key is to control the force and avoid sudden movements that could lead to loss of control.
