Should the clutch be fully depressed when parking on a slope?
3 Answers
When performing a slope parking and starting, the clutch must be fully depressed to prevent stalling. Below are specific techniques for the second subject of the driving test: 1. Slow speed: Maintaining a slow speed is the fundamental rule for practicing the second subject. Ensure the vehicle doesn't stop while keeping the speed as slow as possible. A slower speed allows sufficient time to adjust each operation. 2. Adjust the rearview mirrors: After getting in the car, always adjust the rearview mirrors properly, which is particularly important for reverse parking and parallel parking. 3. Master the three-point alignment method: The three points are the driver's eyes, a reference point on the car, and a reference point on the ground. During the second subject operations, it's essential to accurately locate and observe these points to ensure precise positioning. 4. Pay attention to the four corners of the car: The front corner is prone to crossing the outer line during reverse parking, while the rear corner is likely to cross the side lines of the parking space. The front corner may go out of line during curve driving and right-angle turns. In parallel parking, the front corner may cross the outer line or the left front corner of the parking space, and the right rear corner may cross the right parking line. Therefore, always be mindful of the four corners and the outer lines.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade, and parking on slopes requires proper safety techniques. The key point isn't necessarily depressing the clutch pedal fully. When parking, the vehicle will naturally roll downhill on a slope - relying solely on the clutch won't stabilize it because it only disengages engine power, unlike the handbrake which directly locks the wheels. My advice is to first press the brake to bring the car to a complete stop, then quickly pull up the handbrake firmly. After the car is securely stabilized, you can release both the brake and clutch without needing to depress them fully. For steep inclines, after shifting to neutral or applying the handbrake, you can gently press the accelerator to confirm the vehicle doesn't slide. Many drivers overlook this, thinking depressing the clutch is sufficient, only to end up with their car rolling downhill and hitting other vehicles or guardrails - a troublesome situation indeed. Extra caution is needed when daily driving in mountainous areas - make it a habit to use both the foot brake and handbrake as dual safety measures.
As a new driver, I was also confused about whether to press the clutch when parking on a slope at first. Once, while parking on a steep hill, I only focused on pressing the clutch all the way down but forgot to engage the handbrake, causing the car to roll back and nearly resulting in an accident. From that lesson, I learned the correct method: when parking, prioritize stepping on the brake to stabilize the car, then engage the handbrake to ensure the wheels are locked. Pressing the clutch is optional, but it's not always necessary to press it all the way down, especially when the engine is off—the clutch just disengages the transmission from the load. Now, I practice a few more steps on slopes: brake to stop, pull the handbrake tight, and then release the pedals, which is safer. Remember, the clutch is more suitable for controlling the start; don't let it replace the role of the brake.
