Should the Handbrake Be Used for Hill Starts?

[DeZoe]

Hill starts require the use of the handbrake. The method for hill starts is as follows: 1. Press the brake pedal while pulling up the handbrake; 2. Shift the gear to L or S mode, then gradually apply throttle; 3. When the car's forward momentum is restrained by the handbrake, slowly release the handbrake, allowing the vehicle to begin climbing the slope smoothly. The method for stopping an automatic transmission vehicle on a slope is: 1. Engage the handbrake and press the foot brake; 2. Shift the gear to N before switching to P mode. The correct starting procedure for an automatic transmission vehicle is: 1. Press the start button, and the ACC light will illuminate as the vehicle performs a self-check; 2. Turn the ignition key to the second position, initiating the computer system's self-check; 3. Press the brake pedal and press the start button to ignite the engine; 4. Release the foot brake and let the engine warm up for 1 to 3 minutes; 5. Press the foot brake again, shift to D mode, and release the handbrake to start moving.

[SanPenelope]

As a seasoned driver with years of experience on mountain roads, I have plenty of experience with hill starts. Every time I encounter a steep slope, I make it a habit to use the handbrake. If I don't, the car rolls back as soon as I release the clutch, risking a collision with the vehicle behind or pedestrians. My step-by-step method is to first pull up the handbrake, press the clutch, shift into first gear, then lightly press the accelerator to raise the RPM. Slowly release the clutch to the biting point, and when I feel the car pushing forward, I gradually release the handbrake, allowing the car to move smoothly. This technique is especially useful for manual transmission cars and reduces the risk of accidents. Once, when I was driving an old car in the countryside, I forgot to use the handbrake and the car rolled back, nearly hitting a tree. Since then, I always use this method. Nowadays, new cars come with hill-start assist, but for older vehicles, it's all about manual control to ensure safety first.

[DeclanRose]

I just got my driver's license, and my instructor emphasized that using the handbrake for hill starts is a fundamental safety rule. If you're driving a manual transmission car, it's easy to roll backward when starting on a slope, especially in congested city traffic where rolling back could lead to rear-ending another vehicle. I've tried the procedure myself a few times: first, pull the handbrake tight, press the clutch, lightly tap the accelerator, then gradually release the clutch while slowly lowering the handbrake, and the car starts smoothly. This method is much easier than relying solely on coordinating the accelerator and clutch, making it quicker for beginners to master. Looking back at my road test, not using the handbrake resulted in immediate point deductions, proving its importance. While automatic transmission cars have anti-rollback features, don't skip the handbrake in manual cars—it gives you more peace of mind while driving.

[ElizaFitz]

Of course, you need to engage the handbrake when starting on a slope, especially in a manual transmission car. The operation method is simple: pull the handbrake tight, press the clutch and shift into gear, lightly press the accelerator to increase the RPM, release the clutch to the half-engaged position, and then slowly release the handbrake to start. This way, the car won't roll backward. For automatic transmission cars with hill-start assist, you can skip this step. The key is to prevent rolling accidents and protect yourself and other vehicles.