How to Start a Manual Car
The number of manual shift cars and trucks is decreasing, but a driver may find a need to operate a manual shift vehicle. Driving a manual shift car or truck is different than driving one with an automatic transmission. Here's how to start a car that has manual transmission.
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Instructions
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Place your left foot on the far left pedal. This is the manual transmission's clutch pedal that will need to be depressed each time you shift gears. Pump the clutch pedal once or twice to make sure it moves evenly with tension.
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Grasp the shift handle of the car or truck. If the vehicle is currently in neutral, the shifter should be able to be moved loosely. If the vehicle is in gear, the shifter will be firm and not move easily because it will be engaged in gear.
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Disengage the shifter from any gear before starting a manual transmission vehicle. Depress the brake pedal with your right foot and the clutch pedal with the left. Move the shifter out of gear until the handle feels loose. Let off the clutch pedal after disengaging the car from gear. Now check that the vehicle's parking brake is engaged so that the car will not roll when taking your foot from the brake pedal. Depress the clutch pedal with the left foot and the gas pedal lightly with the right. Turn the key in the ignition and let the engine come to life.
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Tips & Warnings
Use the parking brake to let you operate the clutch and gas pedals as you start a manual transmission vehicle. It is impossible to inject more fuel into the engine on a cold start if you have a foot on the brake and clutch without the gas pedal being used.
Do not attempt to start a manual transmission while in gear and without the clutch pedal depressed. The car can lunge forward, causing damage or injury.
