How to Shift at First Gear Uphill Without Stalling

Driving a manual transmission car can be difficult enough as it is, let alone when the car is moving uphill and gravity is working against it. Because of this, a lot of drivers may stall while going uphill, especially when shifting from first gear. But the car needn't be stranded when traffic brings it to a stop on a hill. By just applying a little more pressure to the gas pedal, any stick shift driver can get the car out of first gear, even going uphill, without stalling.

  • Keeping the left foot all the way down on the clutch, apply pressure to the gas pedal with the right foot until you hear the engine start to rev slightly.

  • Slowly ease the left foot off the clutch as the right foot continues to add more pressure to the gas pedal.

  • Once the car starts moving and the engine starts to rev again, push the clutch all the way in again with the left foot and release the gas pedal with the right foot.

  • Slide the stick into second gear with the right hand.

  • Apply pressure to the gas pedal again with the right foot, leaving the left foot all the way down on the clutch.

  • When the engine starts to rev, slowly release the left foot from the clutch as the right foot continues to apply pressure to the gas pedal.

  • Repeat the process for all gears.