Which Side is the Brake and Accelerator in an Automatic Car?
2 Answers
In an automatic car, the brake is on the left and the accelerator is on the right. An automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle automatically selects the appropriate gear based on the driving speed and traffic conditions. The starting method is as follows: 1. Sit in the driver's seat and press the start button, the ACC light will turn on; 2. Press the start button again, and the vehicle will perform a self-check; 3. Press the brake and press the start button to ignite and start the engine; 4. Press the foot brake, shift to D gear, and release the handbrake. The gears in an automatic transmission are divided into: 1. P gear is the parking gear and starting gear; 2. R gear is the reverse gear; 3. N gear is the neutral gear; 4. D gear is the drive gear, also known as the forward gear; 5. L gear is the low-speed gear; 6. S gear is the sports mode.
As a beginner learning to drive, I remember the pedal positions of an automatic car very clearly. The brake is always on the left, and the accelerator is on the right, operated with the right foot, while the left foot basically remains still. This design is to prevent beginners from confusing or simultaneously pressing both pedals, which could lead to loss of control. The instructor repeatedly emphasized starting by gently pressing the right side to accelerate and decisively pressing the left side to stop. At first, it's easy to get nervous, but after a few practices, the foot's sense of position becomes natural. The right accelerator controls speed—pressing it makes the car surge forward; the left brake is for slowing down and can save lives in emergencies. When driving, keep your eyes on the road and find the pedal positions by feel—don’t look down, safety first. The more you drive, the more habitual it becomes, and it’s the same no matter what car you drive because the design is standardized globally. This arrangement prioritizes safety, and practicing more while learning is always the right approach.
