Hill start and engine braking

Hill starts and engine braking are key skills for safe and smooth driving, especially with heavy loads and in hilly areas.

Hill start

• Prepare with enough space behind
• Select first gear (manual) or D (auto), engage handbrake if needed
• Balance clutch and throttle; release handbrake as the car starts to pull
• In automatics, use the brake hold/hill‑start assist if equipped

Engine braking on descents

• Select a lower gear early to use engine braking
• Avoid riding the brakes; use firm, short braking if speed creeps up
• Watch temperature on long descents to prevent fade

Tips

• Anticipate traffic and gradient changes
• Keep larger gaps when fully loaded or towing
• Practice clutch control on gentle slopes

Related topics

• Cornering technique and grip
• Braking fundamentals
• Towing and heavy loads