Yaris manual transmission hill starts

[bentjazz]

Hi YWers. I'm finding that I'm a bit rusty on my hill starts. Actually, I kind of suck. I haven't driven a manual in loonnggg while. For those who drive a manual Yaris, have any tips for me? Thanks in advance.

[Leegamer]

You could always use the hand brake and release it once you have the clutch engaged and start moving. I would recommend just going to a parking lot and practice taking off in first. Once you're comfortable with doing it quickly without stalling or slipping the clutch you should be ready for hills.

[bentjazz]

Thanks, Lee. I'm good on flat ground, but it's just hills that I'm rusty on, at this point. But practice. Yes, you're right. Practice. I need to find a hill and put some elbow grease towards my hill rustiness, at this point.

[mitch9521]

Practice is literally the best way to learn or hone your skills.

[3rdSEman]

Bentjazz-Leegamer ? would we agree these cars we have are poor shifters... poor friction distance and spread on the pedal + lousy electronic throttle control which lags. After 7-8 years I still find it a pain when stuck on a hill and I've had manual cars my entire life !!! Kalispel kept saying something got changed on later models like his to improve things (was it 2014 plus ?). It was never clear in my mind what exactly they might have changed : \

[Leegamer]

Originally Posted by 3rdSEman

Bentjazz-Leegamer ? would we agree these cars we have are poor shifters... poor friction distance and spread on the pedal + lousy electronic throttle control which lags. After 7-8 years I still find it a pain when stuck on a hill and I've had manual cars my entire life !!! Kalispel kept saying something got changed on later models like his to improve things (was it 2014 plus ?). It was never clear in my mind what exactly they might have changed : \

Yes, it is a terrible combo.

[bentjazz]

3rdSEman, my other two manuals were my pos VW Golf and my old Chevy Metro. Both cars (particularly the VW) were stinking piles compared to the Yaris. I don't know if I've ever shared on this board how my gas pedal used to detach from it's cable on my VW, and it happened to me on the highway once or twice. Going through something like that makes you really appreciate the reliability we enjoy with our Yari. I could go on and on and on and on about my old VW. At any rate, I did drive a Honda Fit awhile back and its shifter I felt is really superior to the Yaris. I'm not an automotive expert like so many guys on this board, but I really wish the Fit shifter was on the Yaris.

[mitch9521]

Originally Posted by 3rdSEman

Bentjazz-Leegamer ? would we agree these cars we have are poor shifters... poor friction distance and spread on the pedal + lousy electronic throttle control which lags. After 7-8 years I still find it a pain when stuck on a hill and I've had manual cars my entire life !!! Kalispel kept saying something got changed on later models like his to improve things (was it 2014 plus ?). It was never clear in my mind what exactly they might have changed : \

I rarely have issues with my 2014, I guess I've just gotten used to it. Its still a million miles better than buying one of these with a slushbox.

[bentjazz]

Well put, Mitch. Although I must admit my 2010 automatic never gave me a lick of trouble and has always performed flawlessly. What an awesome car. I hope I have the same luck with my Yaris manual. Getting readjusted to driving a manual has been a lot of fun thus far and I'm looking forward to having this car for a long time.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

For really steep hills, I use the handbrake method. For less steep inclines, I usually just heel-toe it. Yes, heel-toe, like when properly downshifting; just slower when releasing the clutch pedal compared to when downshifting.

[mitch9521]

Originally Posted by Kaotic Lazagna

For really steep hills, I use the handbrake method. For less steep inclines, I usually just heel-toe it. Yes, heel-toe, like when properly downshifting; just slower when releasing the clutch pedal compared to when downshifting.

Never used the handbrake method myself on my car or F150, I am very fast with the movement of my feet on the pedals so I have never needed to hold the vehicle with the handbrake.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

Originally Posted by mitch9521

Never used the handbrake method myself on my car or F150, I am very fast with the movement of my feet on the pedals so I have never needed to hold the vehicle with the handbrake.

You guys are nicer/more polite/considerate up there. Down here in the US, you have douchebags that will stop inches away from your bumper. Doesn't matter if you're on an incline or not.