What is the Biting Point and How to Master It in HGVs

When you press the clutch in a heavy goods vehicle, there’s a moment where the engine starts to grab the wheels. That sweet spot is called the biting point. Hitting it correctly means smoother starts, less wear on the clutch, and a safer ride. If you’re still guessing, you’re probably jerking off the line or grinding the gears – both can cost time and money.

Finding the Biting Point

First, sit in a quiet spot with the engine running at idle. Gently lift the clutch lever and feel for a slight change in engine tone or a tiny vibration. That’s the point where the clutch plates start to connect. On most HGVs you’ll notice the tachometer dip a little and the vehicle wants to move forward.

Try this: press the brake, shift into first, then release the clutch slowly while watching the revs. When the revs dip and the vehicle wants to creep, you’ve hit the biting point. Remember, every truck is a bit different – the weight, gearbox type, and wear level all affect where that point sits.

Practice on a flat, empty road. Start with the engine at idle, then gradually increase throttle as you release the clutch. The goal is to make the vehicle move forward without giving it a hard shove. If it lurches, you released the clutch too quickly. If the engine stalls, you didn’t give enough gas.

Using the Biking Point for Better Shifts

Now that you can locate the biting point, use it to start smoothly and change gears without jerking. When you’re ready to move, hold the clutch just past the biting point, add a little throttle, then fully release the clutch. This technique reduces stress on the clutch plates and gives passengers a gentler ride.

For upshifts, press the clutch fully, shift, then release the clutch to the biting point before adding more gas. This “half‑release” lets the new gear catch smoothly. Downshifts work the same way – match the engine speed, press clutch, shift, then release to the biting point before giving more throttle.

Common mistakes include rushing the release, using too much throttle, or trying to find the biting point while the vehicle is already moving fast. Those habits wear the clutch faster and can cause stalling. Keep the clutch movements controlled and consistent; your fingers will develop a feel for it over time.

One tip pros love: keep your foot lightly on the clutch pedal after a shift, just enough to feel any change. If the vehicle starts to shake, you’re still in the biting zone and need to fully release. This habit helps you avoid riding the clutch, which is a major cause of premature wear.

Finally, remember that regular maintenance matters. Worn clutch plates, low fluid, or a misadjusted linkage can move the biting point further away from where you expect it. If you notice the bite getting higher or lower without any change in your driving style, get the clutch checked.

Mastering the biting point takes a few short practice sessions, but once you’ve got it, every start feels smoother and every gear change is less stressful. Keep practicing, stay patient, and soon you’ll be shifting like a pro while keeping your HGV’s clutch healthy for the long haul.