Low - Risk Driving  a skill for LIFE 

- - - - - - - - - - Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - - - - - - - - - -

ISBN No. 0 09577 426 06   

   Your  SAFETY  is  Driving

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G.43   The Hill-start (Moving-off procedure)

If procedures as outlined in Chapter 1.2 are followed (How not to stall) taking off on a hill (the hill-start) is a natural follow on. The use of the handbrake, right from day one, even on level ground, is the key. Many motorists regard themselves as clever, taking off uphill without the handbrake. However, over a long period, undue wear and tear on the clutch and gearbox, plus wasted fuel are inevitable.

The handbrake functions much the same way as a bicycle brake - a cable squeezes the brake pads to stop the wheel from turning. Never apply the handbrake, while the vehicle is moving, unless during an emergency. 

Why the handbrake on a hill-start? 

The handbrake has to stop the vehicle from rolling, while the right foot operates the accelerator and the left foot the clutch.

A hill-start is basically the same procedure as moving off on level ground, except you need to apply more power, and withdraw the clutch further than on level ground.

Here are seven steps for stopping and moving-off on a slope:

1. Mirror/Signal:

 Stop the vehicle at a suitable place, legally.
2. Apply handbrake: Do this before releasing the footbrake, otherwise car will roll.
3. Shift gear-lever into neutral: Here we are practicing stop/start. Shifting the gear-lever into neutral for a moment tests, if the handbrake has been applied sufficiently. Remember, if you are leaving your vehicle parked, do NOT leave it in neutral, especially on a slope.
4. Give required signal, check road behind and engage first gear: As you do, release the *ratchet on the handbrake. (Pull up the lever, press and hold the button.) The handbrake is now ready to be released, but is still holding the vehicle from moving. Some vehicles have handbrakes without button, where the handbrake must be twisted to get it ready for release.
5. Apply sufficient power: On a slope you need more power than on level ground, depending on the gradient of the road.   
6. Withdraw the clutch: When you hear the sound of the engine change and/or feel the pull of the engine, check mirror and blindspot again. Keep applying power*!
7. Release the handbrake (**quietly): ...and apply more power as you fully withdraw the clutch and the vehicle gathers speed. 

*The quicker steps 6 and 7 can be done, the less wear and tear on the vehicle.

**To release the handbrake quietly means - just release it enough to find out, if the car is indeed moving forward as intended. Should the vehicle roll backwards as you release the handbrake, apply handbrake again and withdraw the clutch a little further. Repeat step 7. (Pushing the clutch back down takes you back to step 6). 

Even an automatic vehicle may roll back, if the slope is steep enough. Use the handbrake in the same manner as in a manual vehicle, i.e. apply a little power just prior to releasing the handbrake.

In an automatic vehicle apply the handbrake first, before engaging P (Park). Without the handbrake applied the gearbox takes the 'weight' of the vehicle. Especially on a slope this places strain on the gearbox, which it is not meant to do.

Caution: Never select P while the vehicle is still moving! Gearbox damage may occur.
Disclaimer: Above information could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor. 

Site copyright ©driving-school.com.au  2001 / Revised June 2010

Here is a little test to remember what you have learned. Firstly, answer the True / False question. Secondly, using the letter beside the correct answer, form a word. All answers are on this page  

  T>   C   

 In a manual vehicle the handbrake should be used as a habit, even on level ground.  F>    E
  T>   R An automatic vehicle could roll back when taking off on a steep incline.   F>    R
  T>   A To avoid stalling I must apply more power on a hill than on level ground.     F>    O
  T>   R A skilful driver never rolls back on a hill, even without using the handbrake.   F>    S
  T>   S    To engage P in an automatic vehicle is OK, as long as the vehicle moves very slowly.   F>    H

 

This is the final chapter of our Low Risk Driving - Workbook. We trust you took aboard the information, but most of all that you will practice low-risk driving for the rest of your life. 

With these skills and the right attitude you should be spared from the trauma of a traffic accident. 

Dieter Fischer, Adelaide / Australia.

(Comments and suggestions welcome).  EMAIL YOUR FEEDBACK

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