What to Do When the Car Stalls?
4 Answers
Press down the clutch pedal and shift the gear lever into first gear position, then restart the engine. Turn on the turn signal switch (while simultaneously using the left rearview mirror to ensure safety on the left rear side). Honk the horn, release the parking brake, and gently press the accelerator with your right foot to maintain sufficient engine power for starting. Lift the clutch pedal (after the car moves forward more than 5 meters, gently lift the clutch pedal completely to ensure smooth vehicle operation). After the car enters the normal driving route, turn off the turn signal switch.
For those of us who drive frequently, encountering a stall is inevitable. The first reaction after stalling is to stay calm. Hold the steering wheel steady and press the brake to prevent the car from rolling. Then, try to restart the engine. If the starter doesn't respond or the RPM is very low, it might be due to insufficient battery power, in which case a jump-start is needed. After the car starts, check the dashboard for any warning lights, such as the oil pressure warning light—if it's on, shut off the engine immediately and inspect. I usually turn on the hazard lights when pulling over and place a warning triangle 100 meters behind the car to alert other drivers. Finally, it's advisable to maintain regular vehicle upkeep, such as checking the ignition coils and spark plugs, to reduce the chances of stalling.
As a car owner with over a decade of experience, I've encountered engine stalling quite a few times. When you notice your vehicle suddenly stalls, the first thing is to steady the steering wheel, especially while driving. Then shift the gear to neutral and attempt to restart the engine. If it starts and you can drive away, that's ideal, but listen carefully for any unusual noises. If the restart fails, you'll need to troubleshoot the issue. Simple checks include seeing how much fuel is left in the tank or checking if the battery terminals are loose. I also keep jumper cables in the trunk in case the battery dies and I need someone to help jump-start it. For safety, always place a reflective warning triangle behind your car and wait for assistance away from the traffic lane.
Don't panic when the engine stalls—I used to encounter this often when I first started driving. First, turn the key back to the initial position, wait for about ten seconds, and then try restarting the engine. If it still won't start, consider whether the battery might be dead or the fuel pump has failed. At this point, checking the dashboard warning lights is crucial. Remember to turn on the hazard warning lights. For manual transmission cars, press the clutch when starting; for automatic transmission, shift to the P position. If necessary, call roadside assistance and be sure to clearly state your location and vehicle model.
