How to Kick Start a Car

For those of us that own a straight shift or manual shift car, kick starting the vehicle may not be so easy. If your starter goes out or you can't crank your car, then follow these easy steps to start it organically.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Keys
• Incline
• Two feet

1. READY THE CAR
   Make sure the vehicle is in neutral and release the brake. If you're on a steep incline, put your foot on the brake. If you're on a platform that doesn't allow your vehicle to naturally coast then position your car so that it will roll freely.

2. PREPARE YOURSELF
   Place the key into the "on" position on the console. Ordinarily, your interior lights and radio will come on when your keys are in the "on" position. Prepare your footing. The left foot should depress the clutch as the right foot remains on the brake. As you begin to coast, place the gear shift into first gear.

3. POP THE CLUTCH
   As the vehicle coasts and gains speed, begin to slowly let off the clutch. Just as the clutch begins to grab you'll feel the vehicle begin to jerk. Take your right foot off the brake and give the vehicle a little gas while still letting off the clutch. You'll feel the clutch grab and possibly jerk. Let completely off the clutch and the car should run as normal.
   Congratulations! You just kick started your first vehicle!

[taylwind]

on 6/19/2009 I remember this from when I was a teenager I used to push the car for my friend Tony as there aren't many hills where we lived...LOL. Thanks*****

[cclofmead]

on 6/18/2009 My dad had to do this with one of his old cars. Great info!! 5* RRRC

[tracysmith159]

on 6/17/2009 I remember having to do this for my father's car. Stick shift cars sure can take a lot of beating.
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