How Many Feet to Use When Driving an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
When driving an automatic transmission car, you should use only one foot. Do not use your left foot for braking, as it is relatively dangerous. Left-foot braking is a technique typically used by race car drivers. Whether driving a manual or automatic transmission vehicle, the right foot should be used to control both the accelerator and the brake. During normal driving, the left foot should rest on the floor in a standby position, while the right foot controls the accelerator. It is not recommended to use both feet when driving an automatic transmission car. When switching between the accelerator and the brake, avoid lifting your leg. The standard posture involves keeping the heel stationary and pivoting the foot on the heel to press either the accelerator or the brake. Many people tend to lift their foot when switching between the two, which can lead to mistakes if they fail to press accurately when distracted. Precautions for driving an automatic transmission car: During normal economical driving, it is essential to release the accelerator pedal after the engine speed rises to a certain level, then gently press the accelerator again. At this point, you will notice the engine speed decrease, indicating that the transmission has completed the upshift. Developing this habit during daily driving can significantly reduce overall fuel consumption.
As a driving instructor, I repeatedly emphasize the importance of developing a single-foot operation habit when driving an automatic transmission. Use only your right foot to control the brake and accelerator, while keeping your left foot on the footrest at all times. The most common mistake beginners make is using their left foot to brake, which is extremely dangerous—applying force with both feet during emergency braking can cause the body to lunge forward, making it harder to steer. The correct muscle memory should involve keeping the heel fixed on the floor and only using the toes to switch between pedals. Last week, a student nearly caused a rear-end collision by mistakenly braking with their left foot during practice—a classic example of this error. Remember: whether starting, waiting at a red light, or crawling in traffic, always keep your left foot idle.
