What is the correct method for starting and shifting gears in a manual transmission?
2 Answers
You must first press the clutch pedal all the way down, and the operation of the gear lever should be light, quick, gentle, and precise. Shift gears when the engine speed is around 2000 RPM, first reduce the throttle and then press the clutch, so the clutch will not be forced to disengage, and then shift gears. The clutch should be pressed all the way down in one motion, and gear shifting should also be done in one step. Familiarize yourself with the gear positions and practice the feel more.
I've been driving manual transmission for almost ten years, and the key to starting smoothly lies in coordinating the clutch and throttle. For a cold start, first press the clutch and shift into first gear. Slowly lift your left foot to the biting point—you'll feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel. Then, gently press the throttle with your right foot to give it some gas, raising the RPM to around 1500. Once the car moves steadily, fully release the clutch. The best time to shift gears is by watching the tachometer: shift from first to second around 2000 RPM, and other gears around 2500 RPM for the smoothest transition. Remember to fully depress the clutch before shifting to avoid grinding gears and damaging the transmission. In traffic jams, it's advisable to start in second gear to reduce the risk of stalling. Practice more to develop a feel for it—once you're skilled, you won’t even need to glance at the dashboard.
