Download Article
Download Article
Starting or stopping the engine of a manual car is a little tricky for first time manual drivers as it is not as simple as an automatic car. The path to being able to drive a stick shift (manual) car begins with learning how to start and kill the engine in the safest way possible.
Steps
Get Car Support Solve Any Problem
Try Asking:
We’re sorry we don’t support the car you are looking for. Please enter its make, model, and year below so that we can add support for it.
Thank you! We’ll review your request and add support for this product as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can ask more questions about the products we currently support.
-
Understand the different aspects of a manual vehicle. Unlike automatics cars, manuals, or stick shifts, have three pedals. The brake and gas pedals are in the same locations as the locations you would find them in an automatic car. However, manual cars are equipped with a third pedal called the "clutch." [1] X Expert Source Ibrahim Onerli
Driving Instructor Expert Interview. 18 November 2019. This is the pedal furthest to the left.- The gear shift of a manual car is also slightly more complicated than an automatic car. Manuals have several different gears ranging from 1 to 5, depending on the type of car (some have a sixth gear). Then, like all cars, they have the "R" for reverse. Putting the gear shift into the center position will put it into neutral.
-
Locate the "clutch". This is the pedal furthest to your left. Unlike an automatic car, a manual requires the driver to use both feet. The left foot is responsible for the clutch and the right foot is responsible for the brake and gas pedals.Advertisement -
Make sure the car is in neutral. Before starting the vehicle, make sure the gear shift is in the neutral position. This is when the gear shift is in the center position - you should be able to easily shake the gear shift. This is because it is detached from the transmission and should freely move.- Some drivers may leave their car in first gear when they put it into park just in case the brake gives out. If you were to start the car in first gear then it will cause the car to jump forward causing damage to the transmission of the vehicle, its exterior, and the vehicle's surroundings.
-
Put the key into ignition. However, do not turn the key just yet. -
Place left foot onto clutch. Making sure the parking brake is still pulled up. Place left foot onto the clutch and push it down. -
Turn ignition. While keeping left foot on clutch, turn the ignition. Wait for the engine to start before letting go of key. Once the engine is running, it is safe to take your foot off of clutch, but make sure the parking brake is pulled up.
Advertisement
-
Get ready to park car. Once the car is in a position in which it can be parked, the driver should keep their foot on the clutch until the gear shift is in neutral. If the foot is removed from the clutch before the car is put into neutral, the car will jump.- Now that the car is in neutral, the driver can release the clutch while keeping their foot on the brake pedal.
-
Put car into park. Once the car is in a position in which it can be parked, the driver should keep their foot on the brake until the parking brake is pulled up. Once the parking brake is up, the driver can remove their foot from the brake. The car is now parked. -
Turn off ignition. The key can now be taken out of the ignition. -
Place car into first gear. This step is optional and an extra precaution. Once the ignition has been turned off the car can be placed into first gear as an extra precaution. This can be done by pushing down on the clutch and then placing the gear shift into first gear.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow do you change gears in a manual car smoothly?Ibrahim Onerli is a Driving Instructor and the Manager of Revolution Driving School in New York City. His mission is to make the world a better place by teaching safe driving. Ibrahim trains and manages a team of over eight driving instructors. He specializes in teaching defensive driving and stick shift driving.While the car is in motion, take your foot off of the gas pedal, press the clutch, and change your gear. Then, gradually take your foot off of the clutch and apply the gas.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- Practice in an open area to prevent any damage to vehicle or surroundings.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- Make sure never to release foot from clutch when the car is not in neutral. This will cause it to jump and stall.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ Ibrahim Onerli. Driving Instructor. Expert Interview. 18 November 2019.
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 146,961 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I have a license to drive but unfortunately (I'm from Bosnia) I never was a driver, many years later, 25 now, I need really to start but I've a huge fear. This article help me to visualize in my head, to do it correctly. Thank you very much." ..." more
Advertisement
94%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"I have a license to drive but unfortunately (I'm from Bosnia) I never was a driver, many years later, 25 now, I need really to start but I've a huge fear. This article help me to visualize in my head, to do it correctly. Thank you very much."
..."
more
"My name is Benton Killman from Oklahoma City. You helped me so much, now I am a clever guy. I am driving Subaru. I hope that you guys will post more intresting information for me. Thank you so much!!!!"
..."
more
"It has really helped in taking my driving lessons."
"I can now start my car without any fear."
