Q&A for How to Start Your Car on a Hill Quickly

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  • Question
    What gear should I use when driving uphill?
    Ibrahim Onerli
    Driving Instructor
    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.
    Driving Instructor
    Expert Answer
    If you're using an automatic car, use D (or D1 if your car has multiple options). For a manual car, you would use gear 1.
  • Question
    How can I prevent rolling back on a hill in an automatic car?
    Ibrahim Onerli
    Driving Instructor
    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.
    Driving Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Fortunately, automatic transmission cars don't easily roll back. If they do, it's usually only a little bit. However, you can use the handbrake for extra security.
  • Question
    Can I use method 3 with a petrol car?
    Community Answer
    Yes you can. Method 3 is the best and easiest, but needs practice to feel the car vibrations under high volume music. Your shoes also matter.
  • Question
    Every time I stop, before I go, the car will jerk or stall. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Remember to hold the clutch all the way in while braking to stop completely.
  • Question
    Which is used first: the hand brake or neutral gear?
    Community Answer
    The hand brake.
  • Question
    In Method 3, Step 3, where it says to press on the accelerator and slowly release the clutch, does that mean to put the accelerator pedal right to the floor?
    Community Answer
    No. Press it more than you would when starting off on a flat surface. If the hill is steeper or there is more load in the car, you may need to press it more. Generally around 2,000 to 3,000 RPM on the tachometer is good.
  • Question
    How do I do a hill start without using a handbrake?
    Community Answer
    This is possible, but more risky. You now rely on the clutch to act as the handbrake. This means that timing clutch throttle and brake gets critical or you probably run downhill. The only way to master this is to practice in a safe location. Note that your clutch does not 'like' this solution. It will wear out more quickly. Fitting a new clutch is a lot more expensive than fitting new brake pads!
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