Taking off on a Gradient
The solution to such a problem one faces can best be 'demonstrated' live
by an experienced driver, rather than a written lecture. None the less,
I'll try :
1) Using the Hand Brake to assist is the right thing to do. In fact out
there in the West, it's mandatory to shift the Car to neutral and engage
the Handbrake when coming to a stop, such as on traffic lights. The reason
being - i) you don't roll fwd/bkwd and 'kiss' the guy ahead/behind you,
ii) If some one hits you from behind, you don't take-off and start a chain
reaction.
2) Likewise when you have to stop on a slope, engage the HB fully first
and then shift to neutral and take your foot off the clutch.
3) Now comes the tricky part - to take off smoothly on an upgradient w/o
the engine stalling or the Car rolling back. In fact it's quite easy as
learning to swim, once you get the 'hang' of it. Here's what you do -
i) With the HB still fully engaged, you get into the first gear and
rev-up/let the clutch go slowly till the Car 'attempts' to move even
with the HB engaged - which will be apparent by the engine tending to
stall somewhat.
ii) NOW you 'co-ordinate' the clutch release + more accelerator AND
'progressive' handbrake release in such a manner that the Car smoothly
moves fwd w/o stalling or rolling back. It's a skill easily acquired
by getting the 'feel' of things and not getting nervous about it.
4) Remember always that it's you who's driving the Car and not the other
way around. It'd do exactly what you command it to do - knowingly or unknowingly.
For the beginner-drivers, there are Pages under Infobank on our Sites
titled 'Driving Essentials'. Pl Surf these,
as I am sure you'll pick up a lot many things to make you a better Driver.
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