Is the left pedal in an automatic car the accelerator or the brake?
2 Answers
In an automatic car, the left pedal is the brake, and the right one is the accelerator. More details about automatic transmissions are as follows: 1. Automatic cars only have two pedals, located below the driver's seat and the console. From left to right, they are the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal, with the gear shift positioned to the right of the central armrest. 2. Generally, automatic cars have six gear positions, arranged from top to bottom as: P, R, N, D, S, L. 3. When starting an automatic car and releasing the handbrake, it is still necessary to press the brake pedal to prevent the engine speed from increasing and causing a sudden start.
In an automatic car, the left pedal is definitely the brake, and the right one is the accelerator. I’ve always emphasized this based on my 10 years of driving experience. The reason is quite simple: this layout is standard in global car designs. The right foot handles power input and output, while the left foot stays idle as a backup, though it’s unnecessary to use it in an automatic. I remember when I first learned to drive, my instructor repeatedly stressed: when stopping, always press the left brake first—never mix them up. I’ve seen many beginners panic in emergencies and accidentally hit the accelerator, causing accidents. Make it a habit to practice in an open area until your reactions become instinctive. By the way, manual cars have a clutch on the left, but automatics simplify this—safety always comes first.