What are the steps to start driving a manual transmission car?

[OJune]

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.

[SanGenevieve]

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.

[ODiana]

When I first started learning manual transmission, starting the car was the most frustrating part—I kept stalling. The instructor emphasized the steps: first press the clutch, then start the engine, ensuring the car is in neutral. Next, shift into first gear, and gradually release the clutch until you feel the car begin to move forward. At this point, gently press the accelerator. Don't press too hard—just a light touch is enough to get the car moving smoothly. Once the car starts moving, fully release the clutch and maintain steady throttle to keep moving. The key is patience—don’t rush releasing the clutch, or you risk stalling. Through repeated practice in parking lots, I found the rhythm and learned to make each motion smooth and connected, reducing jerks and wear.

[LaVanessa]

To start a manual transmission car, pressing the clutch pedal is the first step. After starting the engine, engage a low gear, such as first gear. Gradually release the clutch until the car begins to move slightly, which is usually the semi-engaged state. Then lightly press the accelerator to match the engine speed, and applying throttle will allow for a smooth start. Maintaining smooth movements to avoid jerking or stalling is key, and practicing coordination helps a lot.