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Has your manual car suddenly rolled backward when waiting to enter a steep parking lot? Or have you ever seen a car rolling backward in a queue on a steep slope?
You need a particular skill to drive a manual car on a steep slope in traffic congestion or a queue.
The car rolls backward when the driver releases the brake and hits the accelerator. Only in milliseconds, the car can suddenly roll backward, causing the driver to panic.
Check out some techniques for driving a manual car for your safety and that of other drivers.
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The first and most common technique is using the hand brake. Here’s how you can use it:
Press the clutch pedal fully with your left foot while applying the brakes with your right foot;
Put the car into the first gear;
Pull up the hand brake fully with your left hand;
Take your right foot off the brake pedal (the car still stops because of the hand brake);
Release the clutch pedal gradually while hitting the accelerator slowly until the hand brake stops the car;
Release the hand brake immediately as it still restrains the car’s power;
Release the clutch fully and press the accelerator until the car moves normally; and
When the car in front of your car stops again, press the clutch and brake pedals while pulling up the emergency brake.
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This technique is the most difficult one. It’s only recommended for highly skilled drivers or those experienced in driving manual cars. Here’s how you can use it:
When you stop on a steep slope, press the clutch and apply the brakes simultaneously;
Put the car into the first gear;
When you want to move your car forward, take your right foot off the brakes quickly and press the accelerator at about 2,000 RPM. At the same time, release the clutch pedal quickly to prevent your car from rolling backward; and
When the car stops and does not roll backward, press the accelerator and release the clutch simultaneously until it moves forward.
This technique can only be used if the clutch pedal is close to the brake pedal. Here’s how you can use it:
When the car stops on a steep slope, press the brake and clutch pedals simultaneously using your left foot;
Put the car into the first gear;
To move your car forward, hit the accelerator up to about 2,000 RPM and simultaneously take your foot off the clutch and brake pedals gradually to the half position; and
When the brake stops the car, press the accelerator more. At the same time, release the clutch and brake pedals fully until the car moves normally.
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Those are three techniques of driving a manual car on a steep slopeand half clutch is the most difficult one. Whatever technique you use, make sure you can use it perfectly.
In addition, you should pay attention to the car’s condition. Carry out regular maintenance to make sure all vital parts, particularly the brakes and clutch, are well-maintained. However, if you don’t want to worry about maintenance, you can rent a car for your daily activities.
When it comes to car rental services, choose a reputable and credible company, such as TRAC. Pioneering the vehicle rental industry, TRAC can always meet your transportation needs for your company and yourself.
TRAC is the first car rental company with over 37 years of experience. We provide various choices, e.g., city cars, MPVs, and premium SUVs.
You can also choose a hatchback/sedan, such as Daihatsu Ayla, Toyota Corolla Altis, BMW 5 Series, or Toyota Prius (EV).
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Should you need an MPV, you can use a Toyota Calya, Daihatsu Gran Max, Toyota Innova Zenix, or Toyota Alphard/Vellfire. There are also SUVs to choose from, such as Daihatsu Terios, BMW X6, Lexus RX300, and Toyota Land Cruiser.
In addition, TRAC always provides the newest and well-maintained cars. TRAC offers complete services, including 24-hour customer service.
You can use car rental services at TRAC with or without a driver. For your convenience, you can book on the reservation page of our website or the TRACtoGo app available on the Play Store and App Store.