What does it mean when the vehicle jerks during startup?
3 Answers
Jerking during startup refers to the intermittent sudden surge phenomenon when the vehicle begins to move. If this occurs during a driving test, 10 points will be deducted according to regulations. Test vehicles usually have higher idle speeds; generally, after engaging the gear and releasing the handbrake, slowly lifting the clutch will make the car move. Only after the car starts moving should you press the accelerator and shift gears. Reasons for jerking during the test: 1. Subject Two (Parking Skills): If the clutch is released too quickly and the brake is pressed abruptly, jerking is likely to occur. The car will suddenly surge forward a short distance. 2. Subject Three (Road Driving): If the clutch is released too quickly, the accelerator is pressed too hard and suddenly, and the gear is not in neutral, jerking is prone to happen.
The vehicle jerks when starting, meaning at the moment of starting, the car suddenly lurches or jumps forward, feeling unsteady. When I first started driving, this happened often, especially with manual transmission cars—poor clutch coordination can easily cause jerking. For automatic transmissions, it might be a minor issue with the transmission or engine. Simply put, the most common causes are clutch wear, pressing the accelerator too hard, or the ignition system not keeping up. I remember once my old car had this issue, and the mechanic said the spark plugs were faulty—replacing them fixed it. For beginners, I recommend practicing the starting motion more, avoiding pressing the accelerator too quickly. If the jerking is severe, it’s best to have a professional check the electrical system or fuel supply to prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs. Drive smoothly in daily situations, especially in urban traffic jams, to reduce such problems.
A sudden jerk during vehicle take-off refers to the body jumping or shaking at the moment of starting, which is somewhat unsafe. Having driven automatic transmission cars for over a decade, common causes include old transmission fluid or excessive engine carbon buildup, leading to rough gear shifts. Some vehicles experience this due to improper air-fuel ratio settings or delayed response from the computer control system to throttle inputs. If such jerking occurs frequently, it's advisable to check the ignition coils or sensors, as neglecting this may worsen engine damage. Don't rush into expensive repairs—start with basics like regular oil changes and throttle body cleaning. I've encountered similar situations where simply replacing the fuel filter significantly improved smoothness. Maintaining good vehicle condition prevents roadside breakdowns, saving both money and peace of mind.
