I have been driving a manual for about 4 months now and I am getting the hang of it, however almost every morning (depending on traffic) I usually come up a pretty nice hill (at least 50 degree incline) so I was wondering how does everyone usually handle hills on a stick?

For me, I let the clutch out some and then I give it gas, but then I feel I am slipping the clutch (providing quite a bit of gas to induce a roll).

Any other suggestions? Thank you!

 

When I first started out driving a stick, I would use the e-brake a little in those situations til I got a better feel for the clutch. I don't need to use it anymore now but it was a useful aid when I needed it. Just don't pull it all the way up or you won't go anywhere lol Lift it up a little so you won't roll backwards.

 

You'll get better everyday, just a good combination of gas and clutch and you'll get used to it. I dont even use brakes on short stop up hills anymore.

 

practice practice practice.

my brother taught me how to drive manaul. he took me to am empty parking garage one day and had me practice on one of the ramps to the next level, keeping it in place with first gear, the clutch and the gas, no brakes.

so see if you can find a place like that and get to it.

 

Wow that parking garage thing is a good idea! But yah practice I also first used the ebrake but then I got use to my clutch and gas, and the fact that I can also heal-toe helps haha. But yah take it to an empty garage! That's great! Ill teach my kids there (when I have kids and IF we still have manual cars that far in future)

 

feather my friend, feather....like everyone else said it takes alot of practice and time but youll get it down like butter ...

 

My dad taught me how to drive Manual as early as 10 y/o.. back in Phil in his vacant Office lot.... ..Inclined Roads, Humps and horrible Traffic.....are best ways to develope ur manual driving skills. Practice practice and practice

 

"feather it" thats right up there with the most generalized advice as "push the gas as you release the clutch." I remember when i was first "taught" how to drive stick by a family friend who was probably about 50 years old. He had been driving manual cars for so long it wasnt even part of the thought process for him anymore so while I did learn a tiny bit it was just that. Then my bro took me out for a day and he still remembered all the little hints to help you learn.

To the OP, what i do on those hills is start letting the clutch out before im off the brake and I do let the clutch slip more on the hills also but not a huge about. Its a very fast process but dont worry youll get the hang of it, it sounds like what you are doing is the exact same as when i was learning. Drax's idea with the empty parking structure seems like a great idea, I would do that.

 

i used the ebrake when i first started out.

 

Easiest way to do it.

I've tried it a few times and it works like a charm. As long as the hill isn't too steep, I'll just blip the throttle with the side of my foot, then move my foot over and start releasing the clutch. I usually only roll back about 2-3 inches but for some really steep hills, I'll just use the e-brake to avoid over-reving it and breaking the tires loose.

Just keep practicing and you'll get the hang of it.

 

I feather..but on extreme hills with a wait I use the e-break trick

 

dakine:

I actually remember when you mentioned that once before, and I made my friend do it when I was teaching him to drive stick. Helped him out a bunch

Low RPM + easy clutch. that's what I do.

 

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...arch&plindex=0

hope this helps

 

Thanks all - Another question though

When down shifting, I saw online that you need to give it some gas before the shift, is that true?

 

when u get off the gas and put the clutch in, rev a little then put it into gear so its not as much as a jolt feeling when u downshift.

as for finding that spot of gas and clutch so u wont even need to break, ur gonna burn the sh*t out of ur clutch if u keep doing that. just use the e brake