Which is the accelerator and which is the brake in an automatic car?

[VonJulianna]

In an automatic car, the left pedal is the brake and the right pedal is the accelerator. An automatic transmission vehicle refers to a car that does not require the driver to manually shift gears, as the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. Precautions for shifting gears in an automatic car: 1. Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting gears; 2. Do not immediately press the accelerator pedal hard after engaging a gear; 3. The vehicle can only be started in P or N gear; 4. The gear lever must be depressed with the brake pedal when shifting out of P gear; 5. Do not shift into N gear while driving to coast; 6. Do not push into P gear while the vehicle is moving; 7. When changing driving directions, switching between D and R gears must be done after the vehicle has come to a complete stop; 8. Placing the gear in N while driving prevents the oil pump from supplying oil normally for lubrication, which can cause the temperature of internal transmission components to rise and result in damage.

[LeCalvin]

After driving for so many years, the pedal positions in an automatic transmission car are as basic as it gets. The pedal on the right is the accelerator—step on it, and the car speeds up, moving faster. The one on the left is the brake—step on it, and the car slows down or stops. There's a reason for the right-accelerator, left-brake design, mainly for safety, as the right foot can switch flexibly, reducing the chance of confusion. If it were reversed, like having the brake on the right, beginners might panic and hit the wrong pedal, which could be dangerous. I've seen friends make mistakes while learning—under stress, they'd press the wrong pedal, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Remember the foot positions: keep your right foot ready to hover over the brake, and when accelerating, gently tap the accelerator—don't stomp on it. Stay calm while driving, and checking pedal positions is a must for every driver. If the pedals feel off, get them checked at a repair shop immediately—don't delay. Safe driving starts with these small details; make them a habit, and it'll come naturally.

[VonMiranda]

Teaching people to drive is my daily routine. When explaining to new learners, I always keep it simple and clear: an automatic transmission car has only two key pedal positions—the accelerator is on the right, and the brake is on the left, both operated by the right foot. Why is it designed this way? Because it aligns with ergonomics—the right foot can move easily, avoiding left foot involvement to reduce misoperations. Beginners often get confused, so I suggest memorizing the phrase 'Left for stop, right for go': the left means stopping, and the right means moving. During practice, start by driving slowly in a safe area to get a feel for switching pedals—don’t rush. After repeated practice, muscle memory will develop. Additionally, note that the brake pedal is usually slightly larger, making it easier to locate accurately in emergencies. If you get distracted on the highway, finding the brake pedal first can save your life. In short, patient practice is key—don’t be afraid of making mistakes.

[SebastianDella]

I commute every day driving an automatic transmission car, and the pedal positions are very easy to recognize: the smaller one on the right is the accelerator—step on it to speed up the car; the larger one on the left is the brake—step on it to stop the car. Don’t mix up the order, or it could lead to an accident. You’ll get used to it after a few drives—just keep your foot flexible. The design is meant to simplify operation: your right foot can control the speed with a simple shift, while your left leg rests. If you’re confused, check the pedal shape or color difference—the brake is usually wider. Stay focused while driving, and keep your right foot ready to brake. Develop good habits to reduce the risk of panic moments. Driving isn’t complicated—just find the right positions.