We know getting a car moving on a hill can be a source of anxiety for some drivers, no matter how long they’ve been on the road. In an unfamiliar hire car, moving away on an incline can be especially daunting. So, we’re going to share our tips for a perfect hill start, every time.
Get familiar with the bite point
Before you go anywhere near a hill, take some time to get used to your hire car’s bite point. Each vehicle you drive is slightly different, and knowing when it’s going to be ready to move is key, especially on a hill.
When on a hill
When you’re on a hill, you must first rely on your handbrake. It should be firmly on until you’re ready to drive and it’s safe to pull out.
Once you’re comfortable and have a clear road to move into, put the clutch to the floor and put the car into first gear. Slowly bring your clutch foot up as you squeeze the accelerator, until you find the bite point you’ve been practising with. You’ll know the car is ready, because the engine noise will change and you’ll feel the car trying to pull away.
Double check that it’s clear to move, and slowly release the handbrake as you apply more pressure on the accelerator. Incrementally increase this pressure as you take off the handbrake and gently remove your foot from the clutch.
Congratulations on your successful hill start!
Learn more about driving uphill here.
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Then drive as normal, moving through the gears as you increase speed. Do remember you’ll need to keep in lower gears than you usually would when driving on hills, as the engine is working harder than on the flat.
Avoid stalling
People worry about stalling when they’re starting on an incline. As long as you follow our hill start tips, there should be no risk of stalling. You’ll only stall if you try to bring the clutch up too fast and don’t exert enough pressure on the accelerator. So, take your time, stay calm, and you’ll not have any issues.
Get in touch
If you’re planning a trip and need a hire vehicle to make the journey more pleasant, we can help. Our team can get you booked into a perfect car for your journey at the very best price.