The uphill start is nature’s way of humbling even the most self-assured drivers. You’re trying to avoid seeming like a complete novice in front of that impatient tailgater while juggling the pedals and praying the car doesn’t roll back. It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube, pat your head, and stroke your tummy all at once—but the stakes are higher because gravity is actively working against you.

Well, don’t worry. By the time you finish reading this, you’ll be a pro at hill starts, leaving both gravity and tailgaters in your rearview mirror!

The challenge with uphill starts is that you only have two feet, but the car has three pedals, and you need to use all of them to avoid rolling backward. That’s where the handbrake comes to the rescue.

Instead of using the foot brake, use your left hand for the handbrake. This frees up your right foot for the gas pedal and your left foot for the clutch.

To start uphill, you need to find the clutch’s bite point while keeping the handbrake engaged. When starting on a slope, you’ll need to use more gas to build up higher revs.

Normally, I’d recommend keeping the revs between 1,000 and 2,000 RPM, but on an incline, aim closer to 2,000 RPM.

Why is having the gas ready, timed with the clutch, so crucial? One way to know you’ve reached the bite point is that the bonnet will start to lift slightly. For example, you might notice it lifting as you reach the bite point, then dropping when you press the clutch down again. Lift the clutch to the bite point, and the bonnet lifts once more.

Another clue is a slight drop in revs as you reach the bite point. If you listen closely, the engine tone will lower in pitch as you approach the bite.

However, be careful that the revs aren’t dropping because you’ve let off the gas. This is a common mistake new drivers make, leading them to believe they’ve found the bite point when they haven’t.

Now it’s time to try a hill start:

1. With the handbrake on, press the clutch down and select first gear.
2. Use the gas pedal to bring the revs to around 2,000 RPM.
3. Bring the clutch to the bite point—there it is!

Check that it’s safe to move, then release the handbrake, hold your feet steady, and the car will start to move.

As the car climbs the hill and the engine tone rises in pitch, come fully off the clutch. At this point, the gas pedal controls the car’s speed.

If the car starts rolling backward, lift the clutch slightly, and it will move forward. If it’s moving forward too quickly, press the clutch down slightly to slow it. The clutch is especially sensitive at this stage, so only adjusting by a few millimeters at a time—anything more than that, like a full centimeter, is too much.

Once the car accelerates at your desired pace, hold the gas and clutch pedals steady. Let the car accelerate until the engine pitch rises further, then fully release the clutch.

If you feel like you’re losing control, press the clutch down and use the brake to stop the car. Secure the car with the handbrake before starting the process again.

And there you have it—the demystification of hill starts! With some practice, you’ll be navigating slopes with ease, even the steepest ones.

Remember: the clutch is your friend, the handbrake is your secret superhero, and dexterity is key. Now, go conquer those hills and relish the triumph of defying gravity. Bonus points if you smile smugly while the tailgater struggles to follow suit!