Should the Handbrake Be Used for Hill Starts?
2 Answers
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.
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.