What are the correct steps for starting a car?
2 Answers
The correct steps for starting a car: 1. Adjust the seat properly after getting in the car. An improper sitting posture can lead to abnormal sensations while driving and cause significant fatigue when controlling the throttle and clutch for extended periods; 2. Start the engine. Generally, observe the indicator lights on the dashboard. If any warning light remains on for a long time, it indicates an abnormality in the corresponding component. Immediately turn off the engine, inspect the vehicle, and restart the engine after resolving the issue; 3. Fully depress the clutch. Use your left foot to press the clutch pedal all the way down. If the clutch pedal is not fully depressed, you may hear a gear grinding noise when shifting or even fail to engage the gear, which can easily damage the transmission gears; 4. Shift into first gear, release the parking brake lever, and observe the surroundings to ensure all conditions for starting are met; 5. Release the clutch. Slowly lift the clutch pedal to find the semi-engagement point, which can be identified through engine sound, vibration, and RPM; 6. Once the clutch engagement point is found, gently press the throttle. The vehicle will slightly vibrate at this point. Then, move your left and right feet in opposite directions: the left foot continues to slowly release the clutch pedal upward, while the right foot gradually presses the throttle pedal downward. The movements should be smooth and gentle.
As a veteran taxi driver with 15 years of experience, let me share the essentials of starting a manual transmission: Press the clutch firmly and shift into first gear, checking the left and right mirrors is a must. Make sure there are no pedestrians or e-bikes in the way before turning on the left signal light, and don’t forget to release the handbrake. Slowly lift the clutch until the car body slightly vibrates, then gently press the accelerator with your right foot, steering the wheel half a turn to the left to get on the road. Don’t rush to change lanes; wait until the speed reaches 15 km/h before shifting to second gear. Beginners often stall because they release the clutch too quickly—remember, coordinating the clutch and accelerator is like a seesaw: press the accelerator an inch, lift the clutch an inch. Starting in the rain requires even more gentleness—those tires are slippery.
