Should the clutch be fully released when starting on a slope uphill?
2 Answers
When starting on a slope uphill, the clutch should be released slowly and eventually fully released. Here is the relevant introduction: 1. Hill start: Hill start is part of the driving test's subject two, which involves starting a vehicle parked on a steep slope uphill. 2. Clutch: The clutch is located in the flywheel housing between the engine and the transmission. The clutch assembly is fixed to the rear plane of the flywheel with screws, and the output shaft of the clutch is the input shaft of the transmission. During driving, the driver can press or release the clutch pedal as needed to temporarily separate or gradually engage the engine and the transmission, thereby cutting off or transmitting the power from the engine to the transmission.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and when starting on a slope, you definitely can't release the clutch all at once during uphill starts. You need to proceed steadily: first, press the brake or pull up the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling backward. Then, shift into first gear and gently press the accelerator to slightly increase the engine RPM. Slowly release the clutch to the biting point—when you feel the car slightly vibrate and the front end lifts a bit. Hold the clutch and accelerator steady, allowing the car to climb the slope gradually until it's completely stable before fully releasing the clutch. If you rush and release it all at once, the engine may suddenly bear too much load and stall, which is very dangerous. I recommend beginners practice flat-ground starts to get the feel before tackling steep slopes. Safe driving is paramount—remember to control each step carefully.