Which Pedal is the Brake in an Automatic Car? Driving Guide for Beginners

If you are a novice driver or someone who has never driven a car equipped with an automatic gearbox before, you may be uncertain about what side is the brake on, which pedal is the brake, where is the brake in a car, and how the pedals are supposed to be utilized.

In this article, we will tell you which pedal is the brake in an automatic car and the proper way to apply the brakes when driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission. The use of both feet when driving is another topic of discussion, as is the potential of adding a third pedal.

Which Pedal is the Brake in an Automatic Car? Left or Right

You will find that there are two pedals in your automatic automobile. The brake is on the left side of the vehicle, whereas the accelerator is on the right. This layout is always utilized, regardless of whether you are driving on the left or right side of the road in the United States or elsewhere in the world.

What Foot do you use to Brake in an Automatic Car?

Utilizing your right foot is the correct technique for driving an automated vehicle. The right foot will be used to either accelerate or brake. On the other hand, there are people who rely on using both feet.

When Driving an Automatic Car? Is it Possible to use Both Feet?

No, you shouldn’t drive an automatic car with both feet on the pedals. If you opt to use your left foot for braking and your right foot for accelerating, you run the risk of stepping on both pedals at the same time. This problem could cause you to lose control of the car, which could lead to an accident.

When driving a car with a manual transmission, you will need to use your left foot to activate the clutch. In an automatic vehicle, there is no longer any need to utilize your left foot because the vehicle does not have a clutch. You will alternate between using your right foot to accelerate and brake during the course of the drive.

You should avoid using your left foot in an automated vehicle because doing so will make you develop poor driving habits. If you ever get behind the wheel of a vehicle with a manual transmission, you will find the transition between automatic and manual vehicles far more challenging.

Are there three Pedals in Automatic Cars?

You can see something that seems like a third pedal if you are driving an automatic car. However, when you look at it more closely, you notice that the pedal doesn’t actually move. This is referred to as a dead pedal. It is designed to give the impression that it is a working component, but its sole purpose is to serve as a footrest for your left foot while you are behind the wheel.

It’s possible that putting your foot there will make the ride more comfortable for you, especially on lengthy journeys.

Should We depress the Brake Pedal before attempting to Start an Automatic Vehicle?

It is possible that you will be forced to press the brake pedal in order to start the engine if you have a unique proximity key or a push-button start. If this is not the case, you do not need to apply the brake in order to turn the engine over.

The majority of modern automobiles come equipped with a shift lock that prevents the vehicle from starting in any gear other than Park or Neutral.

Which Foot Goes Down on the Brake, the Right or the Left?

Which pedal is the brake? Regardless of whether the vehicle has a manual transmission or an automatic transmission, the brake pedal is always the one that is on the left side of the vehicle. If the vehicle has a manual gearbox, the brake pedal is located in the center of the pedal cluster. Which pedal is the brake in an automatic car? If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, the brake pedal is located to the left of the steering wheel. However, it is never the pedal that is the farthest to the right because this is always the accelerator pedal.

In addition, some automobiles feature a smaller pedal located on the side of the footwell, next to the door where the driver enters and exits the vehicle. This may be a lever to release the hood of the vehicle, or it may be a lever to operate the parking brake.

Is it against the Law to Apply the Brakes with your Left Foot?

It is not against the law to apply the brakes with your left foot, and we have never seen a law that specifically addresses this issue. The instructors instruct the drivers to always use their right foot when using the brakes and the throttle. In this manner, the driver of a car with a manual transmission will be able to operate the clutch with their left foot.

However, even when operating an automatic transmission vehicle, there is no reason not to apply the brakes with the left foot. It will take some time to get used to, but after that, you should be able to brake more quickly and smoothly than before.

In a Car with a Manual Transmission, Which Pedal Controls the Brakes?

When driving a manual transmission vehicle, the brake pedal will be located in the center of the pedal cluster. The lever that is always positioned to the right is the throttle, and the one that is positioned all the way to the left is the clutch. In a vehicle like this, you’ll be applying pressure with your left foot to the clutch pedal while applying pressure with your right foot to the gas pedal and the brake pedal.

Do You Keep Your Foot on the Clutch While the Vehicle is Stopped?

When coming to a complete halt, it is necessary to depress the clutch pedal all the way to the floor. This disengages the engine from the transmission, which allows the transmission to continue rotating even when the engine is still running. However, it is not a good idea to keep your foot on the clutch for an extended period of time, such as while you are stopped at a traffic signal. This not only puts additional strain on the mechanism that releases the clutch, but it also makes your left leg work harder than it should. So, instead, take your car out of gear and put the transmission into neutral before letting go of the clutch pedal.

The Bottom Line

The accelerator pedal is always positioned to the right in a vehicle that has an automatic transmission. The brake pedal is the larger of the two and is located right next to the accelerator. There is a possibility that certain automatic cars have an extra pedal located all the way to the left, close to the door. You won’t need to operate this when you’re driving because it’s either the lever to release the hood or the parking brake. On the other hand, a car with a manual transmission will have an extra pedal, which will be used to operate the clutch. This pedal is located to the left, and the brake pedal is located in the center.