Steep start

[cutter]

Hi ... just found this site. I drive a 2007 yaris 5-speed hatchback. Most driving is in & around Seattle, with its many hills
& frequently slick streets. Several times starting from stop on a steep hill -- especially, but not always, if pavement's a
little wet -- it won't get traction. Front wheels spin, tires get hot, back end is a bit squirrelly. has anyone had similar problems?

[Yaris Hilton]

You've got to let the clutch out very smoothly and not let the car start rolling back. It's good practice to start with your parking brake on, and let it off just as the clutch begins to engage.

[Loren]

Smoother throttle input. Better tires.

[Zaphod]

I have noticed that happen when I accidentally dumped the clutch.

Did you just get the car? The clutch and throttle takes a little getting used to. Heck, my girlfriend starts in 1st better than I do.

It's all what you're used to, and I'm still spoiled by higher torque and smoother clutches.

But fear not, you'll be a master of the car soon enough. I would also suggest using the cable brake for smoother starts on hills.

[bkrownd]

Originally Posted by Zaphod

The clutch and throttle takes a little getting used to.

It's the toughest clutch I've ever had to learn.

[darkmoon87]

if all else fails and you just want to get going, try the ebrake method..I usually do this when I am starting on a steep hill AND the car behind me is too close up.
this way you can minimize the rollback. But...can't be good for both brake and clutch so i dont recommend doing this all the time. Only when you are in a tricky situation

[Loren]

Not going to hurt anything by using the handbrake to keep from rolling back when starting on a hill. It's just seen as "bad form" by us stick-shift snobs. :)

[Shijima]

If it feels good, do it.

[bkrownd]

Originally Posted by Loren

Not going to hurt anything by using the handbrake to keep from rolling back when starting on a hill. It's just seen as "bad form" by us stick-shift snobs. :)

OTOH, not using the handbrake is considered bad form in many countries. They think we don't know how to drive in the US.

[Zaphod]

Originally Posted by bkrownd

OTOH, not using the handbrake is considered bad form in many countries. They think we don't know how to drive in the US.

This is true, I've always felt like people should practice using the hand brake anyway.

But I've actually had a master cylinder fail, so I do know the value of being proficient with the cable brake should the hydraulic system go out

[talnlnky]

Originally Posted by Loren

Not going to hurt anything by using the handbrake to keep from rolling back when starting on a hill. It's just seen as "bad form" by us stick-shift snobs. :)

Well.... I would bet there are no stick shift snobs that live in Seattle then, cause there are some mean hills with plenty of stops on them.

[Loren]

Yeah, egos aside, if you're trying to get a launch up an actual hill (not much in the way of hills here in FL), using the handbrake really is the way to go.

[jambo101]

What tires are you using and how many miles on them.

[Loren]

I'll put it this way: An experienced stickshift driver should be able to hold a car in place +/- a couple inches on most hills. DOING that is bad for your clutch, so you shouldn't. But, you should have the skills to do so. Having those skills in combination with using the handbrake (I'm a fan of having tools in the driving arsenal!) will get you smoothly up any given hill.