The bite point is when the clutch plate engages your fly wheel (engine plate). You will know you are at the bite point by either of the following methods:
- You’ll hear the engine make a slightly different sound due to the revs dropping and you’ll also see the rev counter needle drop a little
- Also if you look at the front of the car, you’ll also see it ‘lift’ up a tiny amount (sometimes you can actually feel that little lift too) when at the bite point
Practice finding the bite point and moving off smoothly as follows
- Press the clutch fully to the floor and select 1st gear
- Set the gas (accelerator) pedal to approx 2000 revs and hold the gas pedal steady
- Slowly bring the clutch up to the bite point and keep your foot still (listen to engine or watch front of car lift to recognise the bite point)
- Check your mirrors and blind spot and then indicate if safe to move
- Release your handbrake and only then slowly lift the clutch whilst slowly pressing the gas, you’ll pull away slowly and under control
If you stall moving off it’ll be for one of the following reasons:
- You brought the clutch up to fast and the clutch plate and fly wheel have slammed together causing the engine to stop
- You’ve brought the clutch up passed the bite point before releasing the handbrake
- You haven’t got enough revs on the gas pedal to get the vehicle moving
Once you’re comfortable with the clutch you will rarely stall which will lead to you becoming a much more confident driver
