hillstart

A hillstart is the act of starting a vehicle on an incline so that it does not roll backward when moving from a stationary position. It is relevant for both manual and automatic transmissions and can involve driver technique or vehicle systems designed to prevent rollback.

In a manual transmission, a hillstart typically involves balancing the clutch and throttle to bring the engine load to the point of slip without stalling, often aided by a temporary hold from the clutch at the biting point or by using the parking brake. The driver presses the clutch to the biting point, applies a small amount of throttle, and releases the parking brake as the vehicle begins to move.

Some drivers use the handbrake to hold the car on a slope while finding the bite point, then release it as power is applied. Beginners may practice with gentle slopes to avoid stalling or rolling backward.

Automatic transmissions and many modern cars employ hill-start assist or hill-hold systems. These systems automatically maintain brake pressure momentarily after the driver releases the brake, giving time to apply throttle and move off without rollback. Some systems require the driver to press the accelerator to ensure the engine provides enough torque.

Limitations include reduced effectiveness on very steep grades or low-friction surfaces, and dependence on proper vehicle load and tire grip. Hillstarts are a standard part of driver training and can improve safety but require practice and awareness of the vehicle’s torque delivery and braking capacity.