#1 for easy inclines

#4 for steeper ones

#3 for cliffs, like in SF, or early in the morning if I'm too sleepy not to be a klutz

#2 only if I'm tired of my old clutch and want to buy a new one!

 

I've always used method #1 for steep hills, but always over-compensate on the gas peddle and feel like I'm abusing the clutch. Is there any danger of doing damage on any part of the car if you use the parking brake method?

 

Yep, 1 unless steep hill. Then 3.

 

None of these methods will do any damage to your clutch if you do them right. The damage comes from rolling back into some a__hole's Ferrari who pulled 4 inches behind you. Heal and toe method is quickest, easiest after practice and safest IMHO.

 

[QUOTE=affenage]The only method I use now is #1 but there's a trick to getting good at it. PRACTICE. QUOTE]

I agree.

 

it's just a matter of how steep the hill is and how near behind another car is. If you're driving in SF you'll be a hill-climbing guru in no time.

 

Heel and toe.

 

Find me a lady stick-shifter(without armpit-hair) who can even accomplish the feat with no roll-back and I'll propose to her. :D

 

can someone explain heel and toe on a hill start? like step by step? I've only heard it in context w/ downshifting for a corner, and that doesnt work for me yet

 

I was thinking up the same question when I read this thread. I haven't tried it out yet, but just by thinking about it, it doesn't feel natural lifting off the brakes with the heel maintaining the correct pressure on the gas pedal and then pivoting at the same time so that the "toe" finally rests on the gas pedal.

 

Heel and toe is misleading use the left side of the ball of your foot to hold the brake. Roll to the right to apply the gas. Roll completely off the brake and go. (doing the clutch work throughout) If you have petite feet like me, you may try aftermarket pedals.

 

I let it roll back slowly until I contact the front bumper of that bald headed gy's Carerra. Then, I have a whole lot of time to get going forward. Believe me, his foot is pushing his brake peddle right thru the floorboard, plenty enough for the both of us.

If it's a '75 chevy van, I use #1 or maybe #3 if the van is extra-real close.

The worst thing you can do is get all nervy about it. Just be a bit quicker and decisive about it than you normally do it, you won't roll back more then 4 inches.

Know your clutch peddle engagement height! You should by now, in just trying to shift smoothly.

 

Ah, it makes sense now. Another new technique to practice with!

LOL!

 

JSYK, if you can prove the car behind you was unreasonably close, then it is their fault. This happened to my ex-boyfriend. driving a truck in SF. The guy behind him came right up on his ***. He explained to the judge that he needed at least 3 ft behind him to start. The judge agreed.