What is the correct method for starting a manual transmission car?
2 Answers
Manual transmission car correct starting method is: 1. After starting the car, press the clutch pedal fully with your left foot to prepare for the semi-clutch state; 2. Use the palm of your right hand to push and shift the gear lever into 1st gear as the starting gear; 3. Gently press the turn signal control lever downward with your left hand to activate the left turn signal, alerting vehicles in front and behind; 4. Press the horn button on the steering wheel to alert pedestrians in front of the vehicle, preparing to start; 5. With your right hand, press and hold the button in front of the handbrake, then lift the handbrake and press it down completely to release it; 6. Slowly lift your left foot until the clutch reaches the semi-clutch state. Depending on the clutch's sensing point, the semi-clutch height varies, usually between 30 to 45 degrees. The vehicle will start to vibrate slightly, indicating sufficient power; 7. As the vehicle starts moving, keep the clutch steady with your left foot to avoid stalling. Hold it steady for 3 seconds, then slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator with the ball of your right foot. Gradually release the accelerator, fully depress the clutch to shift to 2nd gear, and repeat the process to shift to 3rd gear, completing a smooth start.
Starting a manual transmission car is actually quite simple, it mainly comes down to practice. When starting, first sit properly and fasten your seatbelt, then press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot—this is crucial to ensure the car doesn't move unexpectedly. Next, use your right hand to shift into first gear, making sure it's fully engaged and not stuck halfway. Then, gently press the accelerator with your right foot to give it a little gas, keeping the RPM around 1,500 to avoid stalling. The key moment comes when you slowly release the clutch with your left foot to find the biting point—the moment when the car slightly vibrates. Hold it there, don't release further, then give it more gas with your right foot as the car starts moving, and finally release the clutch completely. After a few tries, you'll get the hang of it. I stalled many times when I first practiced, but after daily commuting, I can now start the car with my eyes closed. Remember to be extra careful on hills: engage the handbrake before shifting into first gear, find the biting point, then release the handbrake while giving it gas to avoid rolling back and damaging the car. Practice for half an hour in an empty space, and you'll find the rhythm.
