Driving a manual transmission car is a bit more complicated than driving an automatic transmission car. However, once you get the hang of it, manual car driving can be a lot of fun and you'll also have more control over the car in terms of shifting gears and acceleration. However, before you start driving, you need to learn how to start the car – so start with the first step below to find out more.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Starting the Car
Step 1. Insert the key into the ignition
However, don't turn it on just yet – if you turn it on right away, nothing will happen. There are several steps you need to take before you can start the car safely.
Step 2. Get to know the clutch, brake and gas
In a car with a manual transmission there are three pedals – clutch, brake and gas. It's important to know exactly which position the pedals are in before you start driving.
- The pedal on the left is clutch. The clutch allows you to separate the engine from the wheels when shifting gears. The clutch pedal is operated using your left foot.
- The pedal in the middle is brake and the pedal on the right is the gas. Both pedals are operated using the right foot.
- Remember that the position of these pedals does not change whether you are using a left- or right-hand drive vehicle.
Step 3. Make sure your car is in neutral
Before you can start your car's engine, you need to make sure that your car is in neutral. The car is in neutral if:
- The shift lever is in the neutral position. You can tell that the shift lever is in the neutral position when it wobbles to the touch and you can move it easily from side to side. If the transmission lever is not in the neutral position, you can correct it by fully depressing the clutch pedal and moving the lever to the middle (neutral) position.
- Clutch pedal is fully pressed. If you wish, you can also neutralize your car by fully depressing the clutch with your left foot.
Step 4. Turn on contacts
When the car is in neutral, you can turn the key in the ignition and start the car engine. Keep in mind:
- If you neutralize your car by moving the shift lever to the neutral position, you can turn the key in the ignition without having to press the clutch pedal.
- However, if you are neutralizing the car by simply stepping on the clutch pedal (when the shift lever is not in neutral), you will need to step on and hold the clutch pedal as you turn the key. Otherwise, your car may jerk forward.
Part 2 of 3: Start Driving
Step 1. Depress the clutch pedal deeply
When the car's engine is running, you will need to enter the acceleration gear before your car can start moving. (If your car is in gear, skip this step directly to step 3). To enter gears, fully depress the clutch pedal.
Step 2. Shift the shift lever into first gear
Hold your feet in a state of stepping on the clutch, move the transmission lever into first gear. Usually this is done by moving the gear lever to the left and then up – the number one is usually clearly written in the upper left corner of the gear lever.
Step 3. Slowly lift your foot off the clutch pedal
Very slowly, begin to lift your foot off the clutch pedal. Continue to lift your legs until the engine speed (or RPM) begins to drop and the car begins to move forward slowly. This is known as the point of friction.
Step 4. Start stepping on the gas pedal
When you've found the friction point, it's time to start stepping on the gas pedal slowly and carefully.
- When your right foot starts to hit the gas, your left foot should continue releasing the clutch at the same time.
- If you do this step correctly, your car will start moving forward and you will start driving in first gear.
Step 5. Watch your car engine die
Be careful – if you release the clutch too quickly, your car's engine will stop and you'll have to start all over again.
- On the other hand, if you press the gas too hard before you release the clutch pedal completely, the clutch lining will wear out easily and cause damage to your vehicle.
- Don't worry, it's natural for your car engine to die several times when you learn to drive a manual transmission car. Finding the perfect balance between releasing the clutch and hitting the gas pedal takes practice.
Step 6. Switch to second gear
When the engine starts to heat up and sounds like it's under pressure (usually around 2500-3000 RPM – though it varies by car), you'll need to shift into second gear. To do so:
- Remove your right foot from the gas pedal (if necessary) and use your left foot to press the clutch pedal deeply.
- Hold the shift lever and move it down, into second gear – usually the number 2 is clearly written on the shift lever.
Part 3 of 3: Mastering How to Start a Car on Uphill
Step 1. Understand how to start the car on an incline
You will need to follow a slightly different procedure to start your manual transmission car if you are parked on an incline. This needs to be done to prevent the car from sliding backwards.
Step 2. Use the brake pedal
To start the car on an incline using the brake pedal, start with your left foot on the clutch and your right foot on the brake. Get into gear, release the handbrake, then lift your left foot off the clutch pedal until you find the friction point. Now release the brakes (holding the clutch at the friction point will prevent the car from sliding backwards) and press the gas pedal deeper than usual. Continue as usual.
Step 3. Use the handbrake
To start the car on an incline using the handbrake, place your foot on the clutch pedal and enter the gear. Release the clutch slowly until you find the friction point, then release the handbrake. When you have released the handbrake, place your foot on the gas pedal and continue as usual.
Tips
- When starting your car make sure your handbrake is on to prevent the car from moving.
- Make sure the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
Warning
Always wear a seat belt in a moving vehicle
- Make sure your foot is on the brake pedal or the handbrake is on. The vehicle can move when the clutch is pressed or the vehicle is in neutral.
- Don't try to drive a manual car if you don't know how. Have someone teach you first.
