Which One is the Brake and Which One is the Accelerator?
2 Answers
Brake and accelerator positions vary depending on the vehicle model: 1. In automatic transmission vehicles, the left pedal is the brake, and the right pedal is the accelerator; 2. In manual transmission vehicles, the middle pedal is the brake, and the right pedal is the accelerator. Function of the accelerator: It controls the engine's output power and generates thrust by regulating the throttle opening of the carburetor to manage cylinder filling and the metered fuel flow of the fuel regulator. The brake serves to reduce vehicle speed, and its usage considerations include: 1. Apply brakes gently when following another vehicle; 2. Use emergency braking cautiously in rainy conditions; 3. Avoid sudden braking on slopes and curves.
I’ve come a long way from being a novice driver. I still remember when I first started learning, my instructor pointed to the pedals at my feet and said, ‘The one on the right is the accelerator, used for speeding up; the one on the left is the brake, used for slowing down or stopping.’ Almost all cars follow this standard design, making it hard to confuse them because the positions of the accelerator and brake never change. Right for acceleration, left for braking—this is based on ergonomic safety principles, allowing your right foot to naturally switch between the two. If you’re just starting to drive, you might feel nervous, but with a bit more practice, it’ll become second nature. I recommend practicing pedal switching in a parking lot to build muscle memory and staying focused while driving to avoid distractions. Once you’ve memorized their positions, driving becomes much more reassuring, especially in challenging conditions like nighttime or rainy weather—safe pedal operation can be life-saving. In short, remember the mantra ‘accelerate on the right, stop on the left,’ and you’ll get the hang of it quickly.
