How to Push Start Your Vehicle

So you drive a stick shift? Your battery has just died or the starter has failed or something went wrong with the ignition, no worries, you can push start your car or truck fairly easily! If you can hear the engine trying to turn over, it probably isn't one of these problems and the car probably can't be push started.

A lot of people have trouble with this and it really is so easy, try practicing it when nothing goes wrong so you get the feel for your particular vehicle. Some vehicles require the car to go a little faster then normal, other vehicles are very easily started. It really all depends on the make and model of the vehicle and the person push starting the vehicle and if they know what they are doing.

How to do it is simple, get the car rolling about 5 MPH, or really as fast as you can. Once you got it rolling good, put the vehicle in first gear or reverse depending on which way your rolling. Then, put one foot on the clutch and the other on the gas pedal, give the clutch a good pump and give it some gas, turn the key and unless something is really wrong with your vehicle it should fire right up. Keep trying this until you get the engine running. Try not to stall out in traffic!

If your on a hill your in luck, as you probably can just roll down the hill and start the car. Make sure you get in the vehicle right as you start it rolling, you don't want your car or truck rolling away! If your on a flat street or a situation where you need to be pushed out, then you probably will need some help. It is possible to get the car rolling fast enough by yourself on a flat street, but you really have to push and get it rolling and it sure takes a lot of energy out of you. Assess the situation and go from there.

Remember push starting your vehicle is only to be used in emergencies. Make the proper repairs as soon as possible. Just because you can push start your vehicle, doesn't mean that you should hold off on getting that new starter for a long time. Also try to have another person with you, if you think you can pull it off by yourself and you know your vehicle then by all means go for it. But if it's your first time push starting ever and your by yourself, call somebody to help. Push starting is one of the many advantages to having a manual transmission, good luck on the road and drive safe!