Which Pedal is the Accelerator in an Automatic Car?
2 Answers
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.
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.
