Should You Release the Foot Brake First When Starting on a Slope?
4 Answers
When starting on a slope, you should not release the foot brake first. The correct operation for starting on a slope is as follows: First, slowly release the clutch until the engine starts to vibrate, then release the brake pedal, and immediately press the accelerator to follow up. Here are the methods for coordinating the clutch and brake: 1. Automatic transmission cars do not have a clutch pedal, so you can directly press the brake. 2. When driving at high speed or normal speed, you do not need to press the clutch to slow down. 3. When taking a curve, first press the brake to slow down. If there are no obstacles after the curve, you do not need to press the clutch; release the brake and press the accelerator to speed up. If there is an obstacle right after the curve, press the clutch and shift to a lower gear. 4. When going down a long or steep slope, do not press the clutch; use the engine's traction for braking. 5. When parking, first press the brake to reduce the speed, then press the clutch.
When starting on a slope with a manual transmission car, you must not release the foot brake directly—I learned this the hard way. If you release the foot brake directly, the car will definitely roll back. You need to use the handbrake in coordination: press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot, and pull up the handbrake with your right hand. Then, slowly lift the clutch pedal to the biting point—the car will slightly vibrate. At this moment, quickly move your right foot from the brake to the accelerator and gently press it, while releasing the handbrake and continuing to lift the clutch while adding throttle. The whole process must be done in one smooth motion, especially the foot switch must be fast enough. If you can’t manage it, just practice a few more times. Now, I always keep one hand on the steering wheel and the other ready for the handbrake—this feels more stable.
When starting on a slope with an automatic transmission, I operate like this: keep my foot on the brake, and when ready to go, directly switch to pressing the accelerator. The automatic transmission has a hill-start assist function, so the car won't roll back within those two seconds after releasing the brake, which is enough time to switch. Remember not to press the accelerator too hard, or the car might lurch forward. For especially steep slopes, I first shift to L gear before starting, as it provides more torque and is more stable. Actually, by checking the distance of the car behind in the rearview mirror, you can gauge how quickly to start—if it's close, you need to switch feet more briskly.
For beginners, it's best to use the handbrake to assist when starting on a slope. First, press the clutch and foot brake, then pull the handbrake tight and release the foot brake. Slowly lift the clutch to the biting point, and when the car body shakes, be ready to release the handbrake with your right hand. Give a little gas while releasing the handbrake, and continue to lift the clutch as the car moves. At first, the engine might stall, mainly because the clutch is lifted too quickly or the throttle isn't applied in time. When practicing, find a gentle slope and repeatedly practice coordinating your hands and feet. Once you get the feel of the car shaking, you're more than halfway to success.
