Which gear to start with?
2 Answers
1st gear start. Generally, cars have five forward gears and one reverse gear, which are 1st gear, 2nd gear, 3rd gear, 4th gear, and 5th gear. Starting is usually done in 1st gear. Unlike automatic transmissions, manual transmissions require stepping on the clutch when shifting gears. 1. Walk around the car once before getting in, check the tire pressure, and look under the car for small animals. Check the surroundings of the vehicle. 2. After getting in the car, fasten the seat belt, adjust the seat, and adjust the left and right mirrors and rearview mirror. 3. Make sure the gear is in the neutral position, the handbrake is engaged, and press the clutch and brake with both feet. (If the clutch and brake are not pressed and the gear is not in neutral, the car will either lurch forward or stall immediately when starting the engine.)
When I first started driving, I often struggled with which gear to use for starting. Through practice, I found that using first gear is the safest choice—it provides sufficient thrust to accelerate smoothly from a standstill without stalling or rolling backward. I remember once trying to start in second gear on a slope, and the engine shook violently, nearly stalling. Fortunately, I quickly shifted back to first gear and moved safely. Common mistakes beginners make include unfamiliarity with clutch control, leading to jerky starts, or accidentally using higher gears on highways, increasing fuel consumption. I recommend always checking that the gear is in first position before driving and operating the clutch smoothly to avoid issues. With enough practice, it becomes second nature, making starts not only quicker but also safer.
