How to Drive a Manual Vehicle on a Hill

Driving Uphill

Drivers who use their vehicles frequently will invariably find themselves in a variety of situations, from bad weather to hilly conditions. And if you're driving a manual, things can become a little more complicated and challenging, particularly for inexperienced drivers. Driving on a hill or an incline, for instance, in a vehicle equipped with a manual takes more forethought than if driving an automatic equipped vehicle. There are a few techniques that can make this a less stressful situation, though.

Instructions

1. Verify that the emergency brake is engaged when you are about to start on a hill. Press on the brake with your right foot while you depress the clutch with your left foot, then place the transmission in first gear with the shift lever.

2. Release the emergency brake. Very slowly release the clutch and lift off of the gas. The vehicle may not move forward since it is on a hill, or it may move forward a little. Keep the clutch engaged and engage it gently. Moving away from a stop is one of the only times it is acceptable to "ride" the clutch, which is where you keep the clutch engaged while also pressing on the gas and/or pressing on the brake.

3. Release the brake and move your foot quickly to the gas pedal, then smoothly give it enough gas to get the vehicle moving forward. Release the clutch once the vehicle starts moving forward. You can also slide the top of your foot over to the gas pedal while keeping your heel on the brake. Use the top of your foot (the toe area) to press on the throttle while holding the brake. Bring the RPMs up a little then release the brake as the vehicle moves forward.

4. Use the emergency brake to start the vehicle on a hill. While the emergency brake is engaged, let the clutch out a little, apply some gas then release the emergency brake to get the car moving. Release the clutch all of the way while pressing on the gas as the vehicle moves up the hill. Do not upshift as soon as you would on level ground. The car will need the extra power to go up the hill that the higher engine speeds provide.

References

• Monster Guide: How to Park on a Hill