5 Ways to Properly and Safely Start a Manual Car
Driving a manual transmission car is indeed more difficult than an automatic car. However, if you are skilled in the manual system, driving a car with a manual transmission will feel enjoyable.
But before starting to drive, it is good to know the correct way to start the car.
1. Make Sure the Car Gear is in Neutral
For those of you who are not used to driving a manual car, it is important to pay attention to the car's gear. Before starting the engine, you need to ensure that the car's gear is in neutral.
This is done so that when the car is started, it does not move forward or backward. Such a condition would certainly be very dangerous.
If you find the car gear not indicating an N, then shift the gear lever to the neutral position.
After ensuring the car gear is in neutral, you can insert the car key into the ignition. Do not start the engine yet, as there are still several things to consider before starting it.
Read also: 7 Tips for Warming Up Cars That Are Rarely Used to Avoid Damage
2. Check the Car Audio and AC
After inserting the car key, pay attention to the audio features and car AC. The correct way to start the car is to ensure both systems are off.
This way, the electrical system will focus and work optimally when the engine is started. Especially if you are driving a car with an old battery.
3. Know the Clutch, Gas, and Brake
For your information, in a manual car, there are three pedals: clutch, gas, and brake. You need to know the function of each pedal. Pay attention to where these pedals are located.
You should know that the pedal on the left side is the clutch. The clutch itself functions to separate the engine from the wheels when shifting gears.
The pedal in the middle is the car brake. Meanwhile, the pedal on the right side is the gas for driving the car.
Both pedals are operated using the right foot. However, this position does not change even if you are using a left-hand or right-hand drive vehicle because the way to start the car remains the same.
Read also: Understanding Various Types of Car Brake Systems
4. Turn on the Car Starter
After ensuring all components in the manual transmission car are safe, it is now time to turn the key to start the car engine.
If you have neutralized the car by shifting the gear lever to the neutral position, then you can turn the key without having to press the clutch pedal.
However, if you neutralize the gear only by pressing the clutch pedal, then you need to press and hold the clutch pedal while turning the key.
If you do not do this, the car may lurch forward. Such a condition can cause damage to the car engine.
5. Slowly Press the Clutch Pedal
After starting the engine, you can shift gears before the car starts to move. While shifting gears, press down on the clutch pedal to avoid jolting when driving.
Hold and press your foot on the clutch pedal and move the gear lever as a way to start the car.
By paying attention to several ways to start the car engine, you can indirectly maintain and preserve the durability of the car engine.
Especially the electrical parts of the car that often experience damage. Although it seems trivial, starting the car engine requires the right method and should not be done carelessly.
Read also: How to Drive a Manual Car for Beginners to Become Proficient Quickly
