Which is the brake and which is the accelerator in an automatic transmission?
2 Answers
In automatic transmission vehicles, the left pedal is the brake, and the right pedal is the accelerator. Additional information about automatic transmissions is as follows: 1. Automatic transmission cars do not have a clutch. There is no clutch pedal in automatic transmission cars; gear shifting is controlled by the computer. 2. For automatic transmission cars, insert the key, press the brake pedal, shift from P (Park) to N (Neutral), turn the key to start the engine, shift to D (Drive), and release the brake to start moving. 3. When shifting gears in an automatic transmission car, you must press the brake. Shift gears only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop to prevent shifting into reverse while the vehicle is in motion.
An automatic transmission car has two pedals: the one on the left is the brake, and the one on the right is the accelerator. This design prioritizes driving safety by preventing confusion—the right pedal accelerates the car, while the left pedal slows or stops it. When teaching my child to drive, they often asked which was which, so I told them to sit in the driver’s seat and naturally extend their right foot: the slightly smaller position on the right is the accelerator, and the larger one on the left is the brake. Fixed pedal positioning helps reduce accidents. Accidentally pressing the wrong pedal, especially in tense situations, can lead to serious crashes, so I recommend beginners practice in empty parking lots first to build muscle memory. The brake pedal is often designed wider for quicker response, while the accelerator is lighter and requires only gentle pressure. Develop good habits: keep your right foot on a consistent reference point, transition smoothly between pedals, and never use your left foot—it increases risk. With practice, the motions will become natural.
