Hill start - learn how to do it and when this skill comes in handy

Why is starting uphill so difficult? For several reasons. It is very common for inexperienced drivers to push the gas pedal too hard, causing the tires to spin in place. In addition, the car rolls backwards on the hill. If you are in a traffic jam, one minute of inattention is enough to cause a collision with another car or an accident. This maneuver undoubtedly requires perfect control of the clutch and brake pedals. Otherwise, the car will easily stall. The situation is even more difficult on snowy or icy surfaces. Then too much gas can cause the driver to lose control of the car and it starts to slide.

Hill start - the main rules

A manual hill start shouldn't be a big deal. It is enough to remember a few simple rules and the procedure for working with the accelerator and clutch pedals. In fact, starting on a flat surface is very similar to starting uphill.

At the very beginning, you need to use emergency braking and put it in neutral. Then depress the clutch pedal and engage first gear. The next step is to pull the handbrake lever up and unlock the lock. However, now is not the time to release the brake because the car will start to roll. However, you must add some gas and slowly release the clutch pedal. As soon as you feel that the engine speed has increased, it's time to slowly release the parking brake - the car will automatically start moving. Then we add gas and we can start moving.

Starting technique and practical exam

Starting off with a handbrake is one of the most difficult elements in passing the exam for a category B driver's license. Examiners know this very well, so they pay special attention to this exercise when testing the skills of a future driver. Therefore, in order to positively pass this stage, first of all, you should approach it calmly.

After you brake, you can give yourself time to put your feet on the pedals properly. The foot should press the clutch not with the ball of the foot, but with the toes, while the heel should be on the ground, gaining a fulcrum. Don't know when to release the clutch? You can look into the cockpit - the speed will drop on the tachometer and the car will begin to vibrate slightly. During this maneuver, the subject must not allow the engine to stall. The vehicle cannot move back more than 20 cm in the maneuvering area. This is indicated by special lines.

If you still don't feel comfortable with this steering technique, you can always do some extra repeat trips. They will be focused on working out the start uphill.

Hill start - what safety rules do you need to remember?

Please note that the vehicle may roll back slightly when starting uphill. Therefore, keep an appropriate distance from nearby vehicles. It should be longer than the normal interval for daily driving. If possible, it is better to wait until the car in front goes uphill. It is worth taking extra care, especially if the slope is very steep or if you are driving a heavy vehicle. Such vehicles, due to their weight and dimensions, are more prone to problems associated with overcoming the hill, and lose traction much more easily, which can result in an accident.

When should you use this maneuver?

Starting uphill with the brake on is not only an action required to pass an exam, but also a skill that is useful in everyday life. So you should learn it well and use it every day. In what situations do drivers usually use it? Primarily for driving uphill, but not only - you will successfully use it on a flat road. Performing this movement is useful in order to smoothly and quickly leave traffic lights at an intersection, especially when the car is going downhill after releasing the brake. Many drivers believe that it is worth using the handbrake in winter. However, opinions are divided on this matter.