What to Do If a Beginner Driver Keeps Stalling When Starting the Car?
2 Answers
If a beginner driver keeps stalling when starting the car, they should first practice lifting the clutch pedal to find the engagement point, which is when the car is about to move (also known as the half-clutch state), and then hold it steady. Next, slowly release the clutch pedal, allowing the car to start smoothly. After that, practice coordinating the clutch and throttle. When lifting the clutch to the half-clutch state, hold it steady, and while slowly releasing the clutch, gently press the throttle to achieve a smooth start. If stopping on an uphill slope, make sure not to release the throttle with your right foot and maintain sufficient climbing power until reaching the chosen parking spot. When performing the stopping operation, both feet must coordinate well, and the entire sequence should be executed smoothly without delay. This means that as soon as the right foot releases the throttle, the left foot should quickly and accurately press the clutch pedal. When the car is about to stop, press the brake pedal to bring the car to a halt. Then, engage the handbrake firmly before releasing the foot brake.
When I first got my driver's license, I also kept stalling when starting off, mainly due to improper clutch control. If you release the clutch too quickly, the car will stop abruptly. You need to learn to find that semi-engaged point: when the engine sound becomes deeper or the car body starts to shake slightly, hold it steady and don’t rush to release it completely. Slowly lift the clutch with your left foot while gently pressing the accelerator with your right foot to add some gas, forming a coordinated movement. The common mistakes beginners make are either lifting the clutch without adding gas or not releasing the brake with the right foot. Find an empty parking lot and practice repeatedly—start without pressing the accelerator at first, relying solely on the clutch, and once you get the feel, then add gas. If you stall, don’t panic—just pull the handbrake, shift to neutral, and restart the engine. The key is patience and time; practice half an hour daily, and you’ll get the hang of it in a week or two. The clutch is the core of manual transmission—your movements should be as coordinated as a rhythm, and don’t let nervousness ruin the quality of your actions. Remember, safety first—practice away from heavy traffic areas.
