Which Pedal is the Accelerator in an Automatic Car?

[StCooper]

In an automatic car, the rightmost pedal is the accelerator (gas pedal), with the brake pedal located to its left. Both pedals are controlled by the right foot. When operating the brake or accelerator, the body requires support to maintain balance. While the right foot presses the pedals, the left foot naturally stabilizes the body by resting firmly on the floorboard. If both feet were positioned on the brake and accelerator simultaneously, they would remain semi-suspended without a stable support point, potentially causing unsteady pedal operation. In emergency situations, drivers with feet simultaneously covering both pedals are more likely to make erroneous judgments, such as mistakenly pressing the accelerator instead of the brake. Concentrating pedal control to one foot significantly reduces this risk and decreases the vehicle's lateral skid coefficient when braking while accidentally maintaining throttle input.

[Marty]

When it comes to the accelerator pedal of an automatic transmission car, based on my years of driving experience, the one on the right is the most frequently used. Typically, there are only two pedals at the footwell in an automatic car—the one on the right is the accelerator, and the slightly larger one on the left is the brake. While driving, keep your right foot active, with your heel positioned near the brake, and pivot your toes to the right to press the accelerator when speeding up. Beginners often confuse them, so I suggest feeling their positions when parked and remembering ‘right for gas, left for brake.’ Here’s a little tip: the accelerator is more sensitive, requiring just a light tap for the car to respond, while the brake needs a firmer press, which helps your body react naturally in emergencies. The key lies in mastering the control with your right foot—never use your left foot for the brake and right for the accelerator, as that can lead to accidents. Also, always check that the floor mat isn’t obstructing the pedals before driving—this is a precaution you shouldn’t overlook.

[JuliannaFitz]

When driving an automatic car, the accelerator is the pedal on the right, and the one on the left is definitely the brake. I was also very concerned about this when I first started learning to drive, and my instructor always reminded me to flexibly switch my right foot. In actual driving, the heel of your right foot should basically stay fixed behind the brake, and when accelerating, the ball of your foot moves slightly to the right to gently press the accelerator. Remembering the position of the accelerator isn't difficult—it's slightly higher than the brake and has a more slender shape. From my personal experience, wearing flat shoes while driving is important, as high heels can easily get caught on the pedals. Additionally, modern cars come with some assistive features, such as warning systems if you press the accelerator too quickly by mistake. In short, as long as your right foot controls these two pedals within their safe range, practicing muscle memory is more reliable than visually checking their positions.

[AaliyahFitz]

The accelerator pedal in an automatic car is always the right pedal, and its position has never changed. When I was taking my driver's license test, the instructor in the passenger seat emphasized many times: never use both feet to operate while driving; you must use your right foot to manage both pedals. The reason is simple: for right-handed drivers, the right foot reacts the fastest and can quickly step on the brake in an emergency. The design of the accelerator pedal is also very clever, providing light feedback when pressed, making it easier to distinguish than the brake. After driving for a few days, you'll find that you don't need to look down to locate the accelerator pedal; your foot naturally finds it. Especially in traffic jams, switching between the accelerator and brake with your right foot becomes very smooth. A common mistake beginners should avoid is keeping their heel off the floor, as this can lead to misstepping. In fact, after driving a few hundred kilometers, the pedal positions become as familiar as your own living room.

[AriannaLynn]

The placement of the accelerator pedal in automatic transmission cars actually has some interesting reasoning behind it. I've observed many car models and found that the accelerator position follows the same design logic—it's positioned closer to the driver and at a more vertical angle. This is to maintain comfort for the right foot during prolonged driving. When driving, remember to place your entire foot flat on the accelerator rather than just using the toes, which saves effort and improves precision. In emergencies, braking requires the thigh to move the entire foot sideways, while the accelerator only needs ankle movement. Interestingly, sports car accelerators are more sensitive, while family sedans are gentler. Additionally, pay attention to pedal feedback when driving at night—some worn-out cars may have sticky accelerators. The golden rule for safe driving is simple: when preparing to brake, bring your foot back and hover it above the brake pedal.