Compression-starting a manual-transmission car is not terribly difficult, but it can be hard on the clutch if done on a regular basis. However, in an emergency, starting your car by pushing it or allowing it to roll down an incline (also known as compression starting) will not harm either the engine or the clutch. If you are having starter problems, keep in mind that it is much less costly to replace a starter than it is to replace a clutch.
Position your vehicle so it can be pushed down a straight roadway at least 200 feet long. Drive the car that is going to do the pushing up behind your vehicle.
Place a pad or protective device on your rear bumper so your car's bumper will not be scratched by the car pushing you. This also protects the bumper of the car doing the pushing.
Depress your clutch and keep it depressed. Turn your key to the "on" position as if your car were running. Shift your car into second gear.
Move the pusher vehicle slowly forward until the cars' bumpers are touching. The pusher car should slowly accelerate until it is pushing your car at least 25 miles per hour.
Instruct the push car's driver to brake and honk the horn when it reaches 25 miles per hour. After you hear the horn, release your clutch quickly (pop the clutch). The compression of your now-engaged engine should start the engine running.
Park your car on an incline with the nose pointing downhill. Turn on the key, depress the clutch and keep it depressed, put your car in second gear and release the hand brake. Allow your car to freely roll down the hill until you reach 20 to 25 miles per hour. Pop the clutch and your engine should start.
