What else should be done before starting a large vehicle besides observing the rearview mirrors?
2 Answers
Before starting a large vehicle, besides observing the rearview mirrors, the front lower mirrors should also be checked. Below are precautions for vehicle starting: 1. Listen to the throttle sound: When starting the vehicle, there are three types of sounds during clutch release: "high-pitched," "steady," and "low-pitched." The "high-pitched" sound indicates the free travel distance of the clutch; during "steady" and "low-pitched" sounds, the clutch release speed must be slowed down. 2. Handbrake timing: On flat roads or downhill starts, the handbrake can be released before pressing the throttle and releasing the clutch; uphill starts require waiting until the throttle sound becomes "steady" before releasing the handbrake to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward. 3. Throttle pressure: On flat roads or downhill starts, a slight press on the throttle is sufficient; uphill starts require adjusting the throttle pressure based on the slope's steepness—the steeper the slope, the greater the throttle pressure needed. 4. Clutch: At the moment of releasing the handbrake, momentarily stabilize the clutch and add more throttle to ensure a smooth start. 5. Ignition: For downhill starts, if the vehicle has stalled and the slope is steep, it is possible to directly engage third gear without ignition, release the brake, and start. The vehicle can automatically ignite as the wheel speed increases.
Having driven heavy trucks for half my life, starting off is no trivial matter. Besides checking the rearview mirror, I always turn my neck to scan the blind spots on both sides—large vehicles have too many blind zones where motorcycles or pedestrians often lurk. I remember once in the city, I nearly hit an electric scooter when I started moving without checking beyond the mirrors, which gave me a cold sweat. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to lean out and scan the surroundings first, along with a quick honk or flash of the lights to warn others to stay clear. Especially near schools or markets, where crowds and traffic mix, this step is essential. Safety comes first—cutting corners can lead to disaster. Over time, this habit has made my driving steadier and reduced accident rates.
