How Many Feet Are Used to Drive an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
An automatic transmission car is driven with one foot, using the right foot to control the accelerator and brake. Common misconceptions about driving an automatic transmission car are as follows: 1. Incorrect Parking Steps: Some people don't care whether their parking method is correct as long as the car is parked. However, incorrect operations can accelerate vehicle damage. The correct parking method is: press the brake - shift to N (Neutral) - engage the handbrake - release the foot brake - shift to P (Park) - remove the key. 2. Frequent Acceleration Wastes Fuel: During normal driving, constantly pressing the accelerator will make the transmission think you are trying to accelerate or overtake, causing it to downshift to increase torque. Doing this frequently will increase fuel consumption and wear out the automatic transmission. 3. Long Wait at Red Light with Foot on Brake: Some drivers do not shift gears when waiting at a red light and simply keep their foot on the brake. This can wear out the brake pads and cause the transmission fluid to overheat. The best practice is to shift to N (Neutral) and engage the handbrake.
When I first started driving, I was also curious about this. With an automatic transmission, you really only use your right foot to drive—your left foot gets a complete vacation! The design places both the gas and brake pedals on the right side so that the right foot handles everything. Never rest your left foot on the brake—that’s playing with fire. In an emergency, if you panic and press both pedals at once, the car could lurch forward. I’ve seen experienced drivers pull their left foot back and rest it on the floor while waiting at a red light—it’s a good habit for safety. If your right foot gets tired on long drives, try adjusting your seat angle or take a break every couple of hours at a rest stop to stretch your legs.
