What Gear to Use When Starting a Car?
4 Answers
When starting a car, use 1st gear. Below are detailed techniques for shifting gears in a manual transmission car: When starting the vehicle: After idling for about half a minute, press the clutch, shift into 1st gear, simultaneously press the foot brake with your right foot, release the handbrake with your right hand, and slowly release the clutch. While driving: When the speed reaches 15 to 20 km/h, shift into 2nd gear. When the speed reaches 25 to 30 km/h, shift into 3rd gear. When slowing down or stopping: Press the brake until the vehicle speed drops below a safe speed, then press the clutch and shift into neutral.
I remember when I first started learning to drive, I was always worried about embarrassing myself or damaging the car by shifting into the wrong gear when starting. The instructor repeatedly emphasized that with an automatic transmission, you just shift directly into D (Drive) gear—step on the accelerator, and the car moves forward effortlessly. For manual transmissions, you need to press the clutch first, shift into 1st gear, then slowly release the clutch while gently applying the throttle to ensure a smooth start. Never start from a higher gear, like shifting directly into 2nd or 3rd gear, as that can easily stall the engine or make it roar loudly, which sounds both heartbreaking and awkward. When practicing on flat ground, I developed a habit of first confirming that the handbrake was fully released, checking the dashboard display after starting, and ensuring the correct gear was engaged before moving. For safety, beginners should practice more in open areas to get familiar with the basics before hitting the road, avoiding the panic of shifting incorrectly in traffic. These basic operations become second nature quickly—now, I almost instinctively know what to do when driving.
Having driven for several years, I've found that starting and shifting gears truly tests driving skills. With automatic transmission cars, I'm used to pressing the brake and directly shifting to D gear, then lightly pressing the accelerator as I release the brake for a quick and simple start. For manual transmission, starting in 1st gear is essential; using some finesse to release the clutch while applying the accelerator can make the start smoother, reducing jerks or stalling. A common mistake is shifting to the wrong gear in a hurry, like accidentally engaging reverse or a higher gear, resulting in the engine clunking and the car not moving—wasting fuel and damaging the engine. It's advisable to develop good habits: check the gear indicator before starting, and when starting on a slope with a manual transmission, use the half-clutch technique combined with the accelerator to prevent rolling back. Smooth driving not only protects the car but also saves fuel, and with enough practice, it becomes as natural as breathing.
Which gear to use when starting a car depends on the transmission type. For automatic transmission models, simply shift to D (Drive) to start, as the system automatically handles gear changes. Manual transmission requires pressing the clutch and shifting to 1st gear, where the engine provides sufficient torque at low speeds to move the vehicle. Starting from higher gears like 2nd or 3rd can lead to insufficient torque, causing stalling or engine lugging, which increases wear. Don't assume it's simple—many drivers forget procedures when switching to a new car, such as treating an automatic like a manual (always ensure the brake is firmly pressed before shifting to D). Selecting the correct gear is fundamental to driving, ensuring both safety and efficiency.
