How to Properly Place Your Feet on the Brake and Accelerator in an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
When driving an automatic transmission vehicle, it is recommended that the driver keeps their right foot positioned in the middle behind the brake and accelerator pedals. Here are the reasons: 1. Keeping the right foot in the middle behind the pedals allows for quick access to the brake in case of emergencies and facilitates acceleration. Tilting the foot to the right reaches the accelerator, while pressing straight down activates the brake. 2. Avoid using the left foot for braking and the right foot for acceleration, as this can lead to simultaneous pressing of both pedals, wasting fuel and hindering proper operation. 3. The correct technique for pressing the accelerator and brake involves pivoting the right foot at the heel, moving it left or right to press the pedals without lifting the heel off the floor.
When I first started driving an automatic car, I was quite confused about the best way to position my feet. The instructor said the right foot should exclusively manage the brake and accelerator, while the left foot should stay on the floor rest without moving. This design is for safety, to avoid accidentally pressing the brake with the left foot in a hurry, which could cause an acceleration accident. Sitting comfortably is also crucial: adjust the seat so your back is against the backrest, your heel is planted on the floor, and your right foot lightly rests on the brake position, allowing your toes to easily switch to the accelerator for quick reactions in emergencies. I still remember one time I tried braking with my left foot, and the car suddenly lurched forward, scaring me badly. Regular practice and maintaining the correct posture make driving smoother, especially for beginners—don’t be lazy or try random things. Safety should always come first.
