What should be paid attention to when starting a car?
4 Answers
When starting a car, you need to pay attention to the following: check the surrounding conditions of the vehicle, whether there are obstacles under the car or around the body. For a cold start, the engine needs to be preheated, and the preheating time depends on the temperature. You can start the car once the idle speed returns to normal. Remember to fasten your seat belt and check if the position of the driver's seat and rearview mirrors is appropriate. There are eight steps to start the car: 1. Step on the clutch pedal; 2. Shift the gear lever into first gear; 3. Turn on the turn signal; 4. Honk the horn; 5. Release the parking brake; 6. Slightly press the accelerator with your right foot to ensure sufficient engine power when starting; 7. Lift the clutch pedal; 8. After the car enters the normal driving route, turn off the turn signal.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade, and safety details during startup are my top concern. First, I always look around to check blind spots, ensuring no pedestrians or vehicles are nearby; never forget to fasten the seatbelt, as sudden movements during startup can easily lead to accidents. The key to manual transmission is clutch control: slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator to find the sweet spot, avoiding stalling or jerking forward. Before starting, check if the handbrake is released and if the gear is correctly positioned. Starting in rain or snow requires extra caution—release the clutch more slowly and press the accelerator lightly to prevent skidding, and it's better to turn on the anti-slip system. With more practice, it becomes simple; beginners shouldn't rush and should practice more in open areas to get the hang of it. A smooth startup also saves fuel—after forming this habit, my fuel costs decreased, and the car climbs hills more steadily. In short, although starting is a small action, it affects the safety and comfort of the entire journey.
When I first got my driver's license, starting the car was quite a challenge for me. Always look left and right to ensure there's no danger, especially on small roads or in parking lots. With a manual transmission, the biggest fear was stalling—I practiced many times before mastering the simultaneous release of the clutch and pressing the accelerator. Automatic transmissions are much easier, but stepping too hard on the gas can cause the car to lurch forward, startling both myself and passengers, so it's important to press gently. Always fasten your seatbelt before starting and fully release the handbrake. On steep slopes, use the handbrake to assist with starting to prevent rolling backward. After driving a few times, I found that a gentle start not only makes passengers more comfortable but also saves a bit on fuel. Now, I also make sure to warm up the car for about 30 seconds before starting, especially in winter, to allow the engine to stabilize—this has led me to pay attention to small details in daily maintenance. New drivers shouldn't be afraid to practice more; with time, it will become second nature.
Safety is always my top priority when starting off. Before moving, I must check the rearview and side mirrors to eliminate blind spot risks; seat belts are lifelines—I never drive without buckling up. Whether manual or automatic, the coordination between the accelerator and clutch should be smooth to avoid sudden acceleration or stalling, which disrupts traffic. In congested conditions, I start more slowly, yielding to pedestrians and vehicles. On rainy or snowy days, I start gently, utilizing traction control assistance. This habit extends to overall driving: smooth operations reduce the likelihood of accidents. Simply put, a safe start is the foundation of driving—once ingrained, it brings peace of mind.
