Very basic question!

Fourteen

Here it is.

I've only started, getting the basics together before starting properly. So here's the issue.

My timing with clutch/accelerator is absolutely shocking. To be clear, I mean when you're told to ease off the clutch as you press down on the accelerator. I seem to be doing it all wrong - either just stalling or going too fast.

Is there any tricks/tips to this? I'm patient so I'm not going to get annoyed with the driving or anything but this seems like a pain in the arse for me personally, can't seem to get the hang of it at all.

Videos online are talking about finding a biting point? As in the point where you stop releasing the clutch and push gently on the accelerator, but I'm just told clutch up slowly, accelerator down at the right pace.

So yeah, any tips or is it just practice again and again?

partyatmygaff

Practice is really the only way to improve.

Generally speaking what you do is:

1. Clutch fully depressed
2. Accelerator up to maintain around 1200RPM (Higher if you're on a slope or loaded or have a petrol car)
3. Slowly release the clutch (Not incredibly slow. Just slow enough to keep your movements smooth) until the car begins to move.
4. As car begins to move, pivot your accelerator foot down and pivot your clutch foot up in proportion to each other.

It sounds strange written out like that but it becomes the most natural thing in the world after you get used to it.

mikemac1

Practice, practice, practice

It's not something you can read and learn about I think.

And the biting point can differ from car to car.

I'd find a quiet carpark or maybe somewhere with a slight incline and just practice.
Find the biting point, drove a bit and stop and keep repeating

On a slight incline, find the biting point and hold the car.

stacexD

Practice indeed!
I learned to drive in a 05 1.8 and always drive that so I find it hard to use the clutch on older smaller cars.
Just keep trying different things and you'll get it in no time!
If you're car is anything like mine, try letting the clutch out very slowly until you feel the car about to move (I can actually take off completely just by letting the clutch out with no problems) then start pushing in the accelerator.
Nothing bad is gonna happen so just park up in a car park or something and keep trying until you get it!

Another thing, when my dad was teaching me I couldn't get it at all for about an hour because he kept telling me to release the clutch and push the accelerator slowly at the same time. The reason I couldn't get it is because you needed to let the clutch out loads before even touching the accelerator (on that car)

Del2005

Fourteen wrote: »

Here it is.

I've only started, getting the basics together before starting properly. So here's the issue.

My timing with clutch/accelerator is absolutely shocking. To be clear, I mean when you're told to ease off the clutch as you press down on the accelerator. I seem to be doing it all wrong - either just stalling or going too fast.

Is there any tricks/tips to this? I'm patient so I'm not going to get annoyed with the driving or anything but this seems like a pain in the arse for me personally, can't seem to get the hang of it at all.

Videos online are talking about finding a biting point? As in the point where you stop releasing the clutch and push gently on the accelerator, but I'm just told clutch up slowly, accelerator down at the right pace.

So yeah, any tips or is it just practice again and again?

Try a different car. The clutch in the one your trying could be on the way out or heavy.

But as the others said practice and it'll click. But try not to think too much about it, it will come.

MascotDec85

Fourteen wrote: »

Here it is.

I've only started, getting the basics together before starting properly. So here's the issue.

My timing with clutch/accelerator is absolutely shocking. To be clear, I mean when you're told to ease off the clutch as you press down on the accelerator. I seem to be doing it all wrong - either just stalling or going too fast.

Is there any tricks/tips to this? I'm patient so I'm not going to get annoyed with the driving or anything but this seems like a pain in the arse for me personally, can't seem to get the hang of it at all.

Videos online are talking about finding a biting point? As in the point where you stop releasing the clutch and push gently on the accelerator, but I'm just told clutch up slowly, accelerator down at the right pace.

So yeah, any tips or is it just practice again and again?

The biting point is the point where the clutch plates come together and the car actually begins to engage gear. You can identify this by listening to the engine tone change. The car is now ready to go. Once you have taken the correct observations gently press the accelerator, release the handbrake and gently and slowly release the clutch.
Basically you are releasing the pressure on the clutch pedal while you apply similar pressure to the accelerator.

My advise to you this: You seem to be having a problem with what you describe as a basic issue. You are talking about watching videos online and are looking for advice on here. I suggest you speak to an ADI and get a lesson or two. You'll find they'll help you fix the problem very quickly and this will allow you to progress.

Good luck

Mister Jingles

Going by post OP it am I right in saying that you haven't had a lesson from an instructor yet ?

When I was learning how to drive after my second lesson I had convinced myself that I was never going to get the hang of the clutch. About a month after that particular lesson it was all different.......:)

Like MascotDec has said about the biting point it is when the car is engaging gear and as well as a sound change you can feel a slight vibration in car. Too much vibration and your bringing your foot up too far.

I will say though that I once drove an old boxy Toyota Starlet and was never able to find the biting point as the car was loud and vibrated while just running.

K4t

The theory is simple but the only way you're going to put that theory into effective practice is by practicing. Just drive as much as you can whenever you can and it will eventually start to come together.

when i was learning and switched from the instructor's car to my own, i had trouble with the whole clutch thing again
my instructor pulled me to the side of the road and had me practise lifting up gradually until i could get the car to take off through clutch use alone - over and over.
solved my problems
all you can do, really, practise practise

Fourteen

Thanks for the replies, everyone! Very helpful.

I'll just keep at it and it should be grand.

mach1982

Best way to learn clutch control , to practices going forward and back in your own drive.

Start the car, put in to 1st, and slowly let it up , keeping your foot off the accelerator, till you fell her moving a bit ( this is the biting point ) keep bring up up you foot slowly.

Fourteen

Thanks again, everyone. Pretty much got the hang of it the day after my last post and haven't had trouble since! Advice was very much appreciated