What are the two pedals in an automatic transmission?
3 Answers
In an automatic transmission, the two pedals are the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal. Here are the detailed introductions: 1. Function of the brake pedal: It forces a moving car to decelerate or stop as required by the driver; it keeps a parked car stable under various road conditions (including on slopes); and it maintains a stable speed for a car moving downhill. 2. Function of the accelerator pedal: The main purpose of the car accelerator is to speed up the car. Without pressing the accelerator, the car would move at its original speed, which is very slow. Therefore, the accelerator is primarily used to increase the car's speed. The lower the accelerator pedal is pressed, the more fuel the engine takes in, and the faster the car goes. Additional notes: 1. Avoid keeping the gear in D: In vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, some drivers often only press the brake pedal during traffic jams while keeping the gear lever in D (drive mode) without shifting. If the stop is very brief, this is acceptable. However, if the stop is prolonged, it is better to shift to N (neutral) and engage the parking brake. This is because when the gear lever is in D, the car with an automatic transmission usually has a slight forward movement. Keeping the brake pedal pressed for a long time forcibly stops this movement, causing the transmission fluid temperature to rise and the fluid to degrade, especially when the air conditioning system is running and the engine is idling at a higher speed, which is more detrimental. 2. Avoid coasting in N: Some drivers shift the gear lever to N (neutral) when driving at high speeds or going downhill to save fuel, which can potentially damage the transmission. This is because, in this scenario, the transmission output shaft rotates at a high speed while the engine idles, leading to insufficient oil supply from the transmission oil pump and deteriorating lubrication conditions. For the multi-plate clutch inside the transmission, although the power is cut off, the driven plates rotate at high speeds driven by the wheels, which can easily cause resonance and slippage, resulting in adverse effects.
I remember when I was first learning to drive, what puzzled me most was that automatic transmission cars only have two pedals: the large one on the left that stops the car when pressed is the brake pedal; the slightly smaller one on the right that accelerates when pressed is the accelerator pedal. The position design is very user-friendly, with the brake on the left and the accelerator on the right, so those accustomed to manual transmissions won't get confused. When driving on the road, I always remind myself that my right foot is responsible for switching between the two pedals, avoiding any accidental movements with the left foot that could lead to accidents. Beginners can find an open space to practice pressing them, getting a feel for the brake response and the depth of the accelerator. Regular maintenance should include checking the pedals for any sticking or unusual noises to ensure emergency braking works properly. Safety comes first when driving, and these two pedals are your safety guarantee. After driving a few times, you'll naturally memorize them.
As a seasoned driver accustomed to automatic transmissions, I can locate those two pedals with my eyes closed: the brake pedal under my left foot for slowing down and stopping, and the accelerator pedal by my right foot for speeding forward. The pedal placement is scientifically designed—right pedal for acceleration, left for braking—eliminating the hassle of a manual clutch. After years of driving, I often say: press the right pedal gently to start smoothly, and step on the brake firmly in emergencies. Never neglect pedal checks during routine driving; issues like wear or stickiness require immediate attention. Exercise extra caution in rain or snow—avoid sudden acceleration and apply brakes with anticipation. Cultivate the habit of moving only your right foot, never using the left for any pedal, ensuring worry-free driving.
