What are the steps to start driving a manual transmission car?
2 Answers
Fasten your seat belt, adjust your seat, press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot, and start the car with the key. After starting, shift the transmission into first gear, release the handbrake completely, slowly release the clutch pedal, give a little gas, and the car will start moving. First, ensure the gear is in neutral before starting the engine. According to driving test regulations, the engine must be started in neutral, otherwise you will lose 100 points immediately. This shows that starting in neutral is a prerequisite for manual transmission cars. Especially for beginners, it is essential to gradually develop this good habit. If you start the engine while in gear without pressing the clutch, the car may lurch forward, easily causing a rear-end collision. Additionally, the engine may stall under heavy load, leading to abnormal wear.
I've been driving a manual transmission car for several years. Starting is simple but requires practice. First, sit firmly and press the clutch pedal tightly—this is crucial because the clutch disengages the engine from the wheels, and pressing it ensures safe engine startup. After starting, shift into first gear, then gently release the clutch pedal. Don't rush; slowly release it until you feel the car slightly vibrate or the engine sound becomes deeper—that's the half-clutch point. At this point, lightly press the accelerator pedal to give it some gas, and the car will start moving. Avoid giving too much gas during startup, or the car might lurch forward, risking clutch damage or accidents. The whole process requires smooth coordination between the clutch and accelerator—practice a few times to get the hang of it. Stalling is normal for beginners; don't get discouraged—it's usually caused by releasing the clutch too quickly.
