Which gear should a manual transmission car start in?
2 Answers
Manual transmission cars should start in 1st gear. Hazards of starting in 2nd gear: Frequently starting in 2nd gear can damage the clutch because the RPM might be insufficient, causing more wear on the clutch plate. The higher the gear used for starting, the greater the clutch wear. Therefore, from a vehicle maintenance perspective, it's better to start in 1st gear. Consider using 2nd gear when push-starting: Some drivers believe that on downhill slopes or rainy days, when less power is needed to start the car, 2nd gear can be considered. Using 1st gear in such situations might cause the car to lurch forward unsafely. Some drivers also think that diesel vehicles, with their greater horsepower, can consider starting in 2nd gear.
I'm totally qualified to speak on this. Back when I was learning to drive, my instructor would tap my hand with a small stick to emphasize: manual transmissions must start in first gear! First gear has the largest gear ratio and provides the most engine torque. Try starting on a slope in second gear? Guaranteed you'll roll back so much it'll make your heart race. Last week, my neighbor's girl started in third gear - the car shook like a sieve and burned out the clutch in six months. Remember the rhyme 'First gear on flat ground - smooth and steady, a bit of gas makes it more ready'. Old drivers being lazy with second gear is just car abuse. Newbies especially need to develop muscle memory - rev to 1500 RPM before slowly releasing the clutch, guaranteed no stall starts.
