Why do I keep stalling my car?
A car stalls when the clutch connects the engine to the wheels and the revs drop below what the engine can sustain, around 500 rpm. When pulling away it comes down to three things: releasing the clutch too fast, releasing it without gas, or pulling away in too high a gear. Stalling breaks nothing: clutch down, neutral, start it again.
Practice pulling away on the flat
What to do if you stall
- Press the brake so the car does not move.
- Clutch all the way down.
- Shift into neutral (or keep the clutch down).
- Start the engine again.
- Select first gear.
- Look around and pull away, raising the clutch more slowly.
To pull away, the engine wants about 2,000 rpm before the clutch bites; at 1,500 it usually stalls. Source: NZ Transport Agency
FAQ
Does stalling damage the engine?
No. It is just a jolt. Slipping the clutch too much wears it; stalling does not.
Why does it stall when I stop?
Because it is still in gear and the wheels stop. Press the clutch before you stop.
Why does it stall in second?
Second needs more force to get going. Always pull away in first.