When trying to pull away from a slippery surface in a car with a manual transmission, you should:

Starting in second gear when pulling away from a slippery surface in a car with a manual transmission is the best approach because it helps prevent the wheels from spinning too fast and losing traction. First gear typically provides more torque, which is useful for acceleration, but on a slippery surface, that extra torque can lead to wheel spin. By starting in second gear, the amount of torque applied to the wheels is reduced, allowing for smoother acceleration without overwhelming the vehicle's traction capabilities.

This method allows the driver to gradually apply power to the wheels, which is essential in maintaining control over the vehicle in slippery conditions. If too much power is applied too quickly, it could cause a loss of grip, making it hard to lead the vehicle smoothly in the desired direction.

Accelerating rapidly on a slippery surface is risky, as it can easily lead to skidding or loss of control, which would not be advisable. Therefore, the recommended action of starting in second gear promotes safer driving practices on slick roads.