COMPLETE DRIVING TUTORIAL

- - - - - - - by Dieter Fischer - - - - - - -

2  HOW NOT TO STALL THE ENGINE!

Stalling the engine is part of learning to drive. But if it happens too frequently, a lack of understanding the functions of accelerator and clutch may be the cause. The clutch is the link between the engine and road wheels. To better understand how it works take a look at this picture:


The small man (= the car engine) is trying to move the very large car. His strength is insufficient for the job. His power needs to increase. By pressing the accelerator we give the tiny man more strength, i.e. our engine builds up power to move the car.

But to make the man strong is not enough. His power (the engine’s power) has to be transferred to the car’s wheels. This happens every time the clutch pedal is withdrawn off the floor. The power of the engine will impact only after a certain position of the clutch pedal. It called friction point. 

Withdrawing the clutch must be done in two stages: somewhat fast to this friction point, where the power is starting to impact (move) the car. After a second or two, slowly withdraw the clutch further, as the vehicle moves off slowly. From then on, the accelerator controls the speed. 

Let's try a smooth take-off, step by step, keeping above picture in mind:

 

1 Give the engine sufficient power to make the tiny man strong and keep him that way.
2 Withdraw the clutch pedal to close the gap (fairly quickly) but only until you feel the car respond. You will hear the noise of the engine drop to a lower pitch.
3 Freeze both feet as you release the handbrake.
4 Move away slowly as you take 2-3 seconds to withdraw the clutch fully. With experience this will take less time.

Stalling is caused by one of the following:  

Insufficient power, withdrawing the clutch without first accelerating.

Taking power away halfway through the take-off procedure.

Transferring power all of a sudden. This action may result in a wheel spin, instead of stalling.

HOME                            EMAIL US

Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

All articles Copyright Dieter Fischer 2001 / Site revised 2020.