Driving is hard and easy. When learning how to drive, you may find it challenging to master how to control the wheel, change gears, and use the pedals. But it becomes easy when you understand the system’s operations.
New learners often find it difficult to differentiate between the clutch, brake, and gas pedal. Some learners, unable to find it, ask, which one is the brake?
This is a critical question that every automatic and manual car learner should know the answer to. Thus, they will not depress the gas pedal when braking. Otherwise, it may lead to a catastrophic collision.
This article will explain which pedal is the brake pedal in manual cars. You’ll also know which pedal is the gas and which is the clutch pedal.
Which one is the brake pedal?
The brake pedal is used to slow or stop a car. It is found on the left side of an automatic car. No doubt it is a safety device, and as much nerve-wracking here.
Some will but lay back and say nay, others will say, my brake must work smoothly before I’m concerned about the horse-power and torque of my engine, but we all recognize its importance.
Which one is the brake and gas pedal?
Driving is not easy, but never fear, and it will all seem pretty simple after the operation of system begins to be understood.
Seriously, it is harder to drive in experience than in the game console; so if you are learning how to drive you ought to know which side is the brake pedal, at least in an automatic car.
In an automatic, there are two pedals; the brake pedal. The left side pedal is the brake, and the right is the gas pedal or accelerator.
Again, you will need to know which is the brake in a manual car if you are learning with a manual. In a manual there are three pedals; the clutch pedal, the brake pedal, and gas or accelerator. The clutch is to the left, the brake is in the middle, and the gas is on the right.
How do you use a brake pedal?
As discussed earlier, the brake pedal is used to reduce the speed of a car and bring it to a rest.
After you’ve started you’re automatic, you have to press the brake pedal down before shifting the gear selector.
To use a brake pedal, use your right foot to depress it (with your kneel pointing to the ground) and use that force on it.
You’ll push the hydraulic fluid in the brake lines back, and that will make the brake pads push against the brake rotors. This will slow the vehicle down or stop it, depending on how hard you have pressed the pedal.
How do I remember the gas and brake pedal?
Learners sometimes misidentify one pedal for the other, which can lead to disastrous crashes.
Now I know you don’t want to mistake these pedals on the highway. So, you might be wondering, is the brake pedal left, or right? How can you remember which is which brake and gas pedal?
Easy trick for remembering car pedals is counting from right to left – ABC.
- A is for the Accelerator: On the far right is the Accelerator (or the “Gas” pedal). This is the pedal you press to speed up. Associate the “A” for Accelerator with the “A” for “Away,” as pressing it makes your car move away.
- B is for the Brake: In the middle, you find the Brake. This pedal is responsible for slowing down or stopping your car. Associate the “B” for Brake with the “B” for “Break,” as stepping on it breaks your car’s speed.
- C is for the Clutch: The Clutch is the leftmost pedal in a manual car, and it’s used to change gears. Think of “C” for Clutch as “C” for “Change,” signifying the change of gears.
Another way to remember them is that the accelerator of most cars is taller than the brake and clutch. On the flip side, the brake and clutch pedals are wider than the accelerator pedal. And finally, the brake is heavier or harder than the clutch pedal.
FAQs.
Q: Is the right pedal the brake?
No. The right pedal is the accelerator pedal. The right pedal, the skinny one, is the gas pedal, while the left pedal, the wider one, is the brake pedal.
So whether you own an automatic car (with two pedals) or a manual car (with three pedals), the right pedal is the accelerator.
Q: What are the 3 car pedals?
Three pedals are available in manual cars: the clutch, the brake, and the accelerator. The automatic counterparts have only two pedals: the brake and the gas pedal.
As explained above, the clutch pedal is used to engage and disengage it from the engine. The brake pedal is used to slow down or stop the vehicle, and the gas pedal to accelerate the car.
Q: What is the middle pedal on a car?
In manual cars, the middle pedal is the brake pedal when comparing pedals. In contrast, it is the left pedal on the automatic counterparts. It is more complicated or heavier than the other two pedals, especially when the vehicle is turned off.
Final Word
We have now covered everything from understanding the functions of various pedals in both automatic and manual cars to mastering footwork techniques for smooth driving. To summarize, in an automatic car, your right foot controls both the brake on the left and the accelerator on the right.
In a manual car, your left foot operates the clutch on the left, while your right foot manages the brake (middle) and the accelerator (right).
We’ve also looked at the ABCs of pedal order, explained why it’s safer to avoid using two feet for different pedals in automatics, and emphasized the importance of practice in mastering gear shifting in manual cars.
Remember, every experienced driver was once a beginner, so don’t be hard on yourself. With these tips and consistent practice, you’ll soon become proficient in driving.