Should the clutch be fully released during hill start?
2 Answers
The clutch needs to be slightly pressed and then slowly released completely. The working process of the clutch consists of the following 3 points: 1. Working process: The diaphragm spring is installed between the clutch cover and the pressure plate to create pre-compression deformation, which forms pressure on the pressure plate, pressing the driving and driven parts of the clutch together, i.e., the clutch is in the engaged state; 2. Disengagement process: When the clutch pedal is depressed, the pedal moves to the left, pushing the push rod to the left, and through the cylinder and working cylinder, the diaphragm spring separation plate is pushed to the left. As a result, the diaphragm spring uses the support pin fixed on the clutch cover as a pivot to move the large end to the right, while pulling the pressure plate to the right via the action of the separation plate; 3. Engagement process: When the clutch pedal is released, the pedal returns to its original position. The movement of the operating mechanism during the engagement process is the reverse of the disengagement process. The engagement process ends when the preset gap between the release bearing and the diaphragm spring separation plate appears, and the diaphragm spring presses the pressure plate tightly against the driven plate again, restoring the clutch's power transmission function.
When starting on a slope, it's crucial to pay special attention to clutch control. Fully releasing it can easily cause the engine to stall. On steep slopes, I pull the handbrake, slowly lift the clutch with my left foot until the car body slightly vibrates and then hold it there—at this point, the car already has a forward momentum. Gently press the accelerator with my right foot to maintain around 1500 RPM, then release the handbrake while continuing to slightly lift the clutch about 1 centimeter. This is especially important for older cars with heavy steering wheels. Only fully release the clutch after the speed stabilizes. Once, when driving a friend's manual MPV fully loaded up a parking garage ramp, I used this method to climb steadily, even though the car behind was honking impatiently—but rushing is not an option.
