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LOW RISK DRIVING |
Road Safety PLUS - by Dieter R. Fischer ISBN No. 0 09577 426 0 6 |
| 5. Manoeuvres |
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LOW RISK DRIVING |
Road Safety PLUS - by Dieter R. Fischer ISBN No. 0 09577 426 0 6 |
| 5. Manoeuvres |
43. The Hillstart
If procedures as outlined in Chapter 1.2 are followed (How not to stall) taking off on a hill is a natural follow on. The use of the handbrake, right from day one, even on level ground, is the key. Many motorists regard themselves as clever, taking off uphill without the handbrake. However, over a long period, undue wear and tear on the clutch and gearbox, plus wasted fuel are inevitable.The handbrake functions much the same way as a bicycle brake - a cable squeezes the brake pads to stop the wheel from turning. Never apply the handbrake, while the vehicle is moving, unless during an emergency.
Why the handbrake on a hill-start?
The handbrake has to stop the vehicle from rolling, while the right foot operates the accelerator and the left foot the clutch.
A hillstart is basically the same procedure as moving off on level ground, except you need to apply more power, and withdraw the clutch further, than on level ground.
Here is the procedure for a stop/start on a hill.1. Mirror/Signal and stop at a suitable, legal spot.
2. Apply handbrake, before releasing the footbrake.
3. Shift gear-lever into neutral (or first gear, if taking off again).
4. Give required signal, check road behind and engage first gear, release ratchet on the handbrake. (Pull up the lever, leave the button in, ready to release the handbrake).
5. Apply sufficient power, more than on level ground, depending on the gradient of the road.
6. Withdraw the clutch until you hear the sound of the engine change and/or feel the pull of the engine. (Check mirror and blindspot again!).
7. Release the handbrake quietly*. Keep applying power, as the vehicle moves forward. Apply more power as you fully withdraw the clutch
*To release the handbrake quietly means - just release it enough to find out, if the car is indeed moving forward as intended.
Should the vehicle roll back when releasing the handbrake, apply handbrake again and withdraw the clutch a little further. Repeat step 7. Pushing the clutch back down takes you back to step 6.
In an automatic vehicle use the handbrake after stopping. To engage P (Park) without handbrake places strain on the gearbox. Never select P while the vehicle is still moving or gearbox damage may occur.
Even an automatic vehicle can roll back, if the slope is steep enough. Use the handbrake in the same manner as in a manual vehicle, i.e. apply a little power just prior to releasing the handbrake.
Your safety is
DRIVING PLUS
Disclaimer: Above information is for Australian learner drivers. Regulations could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents, failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend to use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.
