Driving an automatic

[sigma]

Why do drivers of automatic cars insist on using both feet to operate the pedals,ie. left foot on the brake, right foot on the accelerator.Nothing is more confusing than an automatic moving forward with its brake lights on. Are they going or stopping?.

[tigwig]

well the only time I usually drive an automatic is when I'm on holiday in the US and I certainly don't do that it is almost impossible for a start it doesn't feel right. How do you know other drivers are can you see their feet through the car? They are probably pressing the brake slightly whilst letting the car roll like you do in a manual I don't really see your problem

[Brooksy]

Automatics when in "Drive" mode are prone to "creep" due to slippage through the torque converter, a type of turbine. So can be allowed to move slowly using the right foot on the brake. The only recommended use of the left foot on the brake is when manouevering in tight spots (particularly if the choke is operational) as a sudden surge could be dangerous. I believe Class 1 Police drivers in pursuit conditions are trained to use the left foot on the brake, and some high performance road testers have been known to use this technique. The normal rule is to tuck the left foot away.

[sigma]

No, they are not creeping or rolling forward, the case I'm talking about is when they actually accelerate away with the brake lights still lit

[TWR]

They are not used to driving Autos Sigma.

[LAW_DROP-OUT]

yes as another subscriber said , tuck the left peg , away , oe shackle it up , with a leg clamp , like chain gang , prisnors used to,,,,,,,, in US etc..

[Panic Button]

I only use my right foot, and tuck my left foot away.

However there are those who advocate both feet, as shown here:

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/faq.htm?id=15

[sigma]

Interesting comments by HonestJohn but examples given are due to driver error. You can't drive a manual if you passed the test in an auto so maybe a compulsory familiarisation course should be introduced for people switching from manual to auto.

[Disco Fever]

Imagine using your left foot for braking then getting into a manual car and oops ive just stalled the car as my left foot is on the brake and there isn't another leg I can use on the clutch pedal....

[Cakeboy]

I drive an automatic at the moment and always use my left foot on the brake - you get much more control over the car that way. It takes some getting used to, but it's easier. Anyone who only uses one foot is never going to have as much control over the car

It sounds like the people you're seeing are just pulling away with their left foot on the brake and being lazy or they have dodgy wiring

[sigma]

ok. mdoo98 here's the scenario. You are in a queue of traffic, the car infront moves off with the brake lights lit, It then stops but you have no prior warning as the brake lights have remained on during the the whole time.

[TWR]

The Prior warning to this sigma, Dont drive too close.