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LOW RISK DRIVING |
Road Safety PLUS - by Dieter R. Fischer ISBN No. 0 09577 426 0 6, |
| 1. The Basics |
1.2 HOW NOT TO STALL THE CAR!
Stalling the engine is part of learning to drive. But if it happens too frequently, a lack of understanding the functions of accelerator and clutch may be the cause. Let me try to explain it with the following picture:
The small man ( = the car engine) is trying to move the very large car. Unfortunately he is not big enough for the job. By pressing the accelerator you must first power up the tiny man (your engine), making him strong enough to move the car.There is a distance between man and car. To make the man strong is not enough, his power ( the engine’s power) has to be transferred to the car’s wheels. This process happens every time the clutch pedal is withdrawn off the floor for take-off and for gear changing. Bringing the clutch up therefore, must be done in two stages: somewhat fast to the point where the power is starting to impact (move) the car, then after a 2-3 second pause, slowly until fully out (engaged).
Keep this picture in your mind and try a smooth take-off:
1. Give the engine sufficient power - make the tiny man big and strong and keep him that way.
2. Withdraw the clutch pedal to close the gap (fairly quickly) but only until you feel the car respond. You will also hear the noise of the engine drop to a lower pitch.3. Freeze both feet as you release the handbrake.4. Move away slowly, as you take 2-3 seconds to withdraw the clutch fully.Stalling is mainly caused by either:A HILLSTART is basically the same procedure as moving off on level ground, except:
- Insufficient power, withdrawing the clutch without first accelerating
- Taking power away halfway through the take-off procedure.
- Transferring the power all of a sudden with a mighty jolt. (May result in a wheel spin, instead of stalling).
- Power up the engine more than on level ground.
- Withdraw clutch out further than on level ground.
- When you feel the forward-pull of the engine, release the *handbrake (keep power) and drive off smoothly, gradually increasing power even further.
*The handbrake functions much the same way as a bicycle cable brake. Rolling back is caused by releasing the handbrake prematurely, before sufficient power has been transferred to the wheels. In this case, pull the handbrake back on and withdraw the clutch a tiny bit further.
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.