How to drive an auto?

[L John]

It's not a go kart

 

[NP46]

Explain

It's not a go kart

 

[Peter G]

I now never use my left foot in an auto, no need and no point.

The only time I've used my left foot was the first time I drove an auto, hit the brakes and nearly put every one in the car through the windscreen :Oops:
Ever since the left foot has been planted to the foot rest.

It's not really anything to do with me, but I do think you are missing out by only using one foot.

I have both auto and manual vehicles and have no problem switching between the different types. I simply can't see the logic in doing all the work with one foot while the other does nothing?

 

[EmilysDad]

Sorry if I'm missing something here, but I'm struggling to understand this whole hill start thing.

In an auto I always left foot brake so, on a hill, or just when stopped at a junction, I hold the brakes with my left foot and apply power with my right. It's so simple!!

I don't understand why, on a vehicle with 2 pedals, anyone would use only one foot??

Wahey!!!! Another left footer ....... so to speak :lol::lol::lol:

 

[L John]

Explain

It was in reply to this.

In an auto I always left foot brake so...

Go karts have a pedal for each foot. Left is for braking, right is the accelerator.

Left foot braking is a bad habit in a car unless you're a rally driver.
It is ok for a hill start in an auto but the hill start assist removes the need to left foot brake. Left foot braking for normal driving is just wrong.

 

[NP46]

All the work!, I'm driving a road car not a rally car

I'd wager the vast majority of auto drivers only use the right foot.

It's not really anything to do with me, but I do think you are missing out by only using one foot.

I have both auto and manual vehicles and have no problem switching between the different types. I simply can't see the logic in doing all the work with one foot while the other does nothing?

 

[Peter G]

Left foot braking for normal driving is just wrong.

Please explain why.

 

[Peter G]

Wahey!!!! Another left footer ....... so to speak :lol::lol::lol:

Good man!

 

[Peter G]

I'd wager the vast majority of auto drivers only use the right foot.

I still say it makes more sense, and better use of available resources.

 

[L John]

Please explain why.

Because it's not a go kart.
Is left foot braking for normal auto driving taught in any school?

 

[NP46]

In an emergency it should always be your first instinct to hit the brakes with your right foot therefore removing it from the accelerator

Please explain why.

 

[moob]

Yes, in the speedo, the word "HOLD"
I struggled to get it at first when we test drove an E Class but I believe all 2010 onwards have it. Press the brake firmly then again quickly after.

Has it worked?

I have a 56 plate which has HOLD

 

[moob]

FWIW - my wife is a driving instructor and the correct method is right foot only.

 

[EmilysDad]

I still say it makes more sense, and better use of available resources.

I can understand the theory of using just one foot ie your right foot operates throttle & brake in a manual ...... why do it different in an auto? But I've used two feet now for that long, I find I need a concious effort to just use one foot in our autos. Though we now no longer have a manual car, I used to drive both on a daily basis and didn't get confused.
It's those that can't get their head (or left foot) around using two feet say that it's not possible or dangerous or just wrong. People see me using two feet on a fork lift truck & say the same thing. :lol::lol:

 

[EmilysDad]

FWIW - my wife is a driving instructor and the correct method is right foot only.

But a driving instructor also says not to cross your hands or palm the steering wheel round or slow the car down on the gearbox .............. but we do

 

[NP46]

You missed out pointless

I can understand the theory of using just one foot ie your right foot operates throttle & brake in a manual ...... why do it different in an auto? But I've used two feet now for that long, I find I need a concious effort to just use one foot in our autos. Though we now no longer have a manual car, I used to drive both on a daily basis and didn't get confused.
It's those that can't get their head (or left foot) around using two feet say that it's not possible or dangerous or just wrong. People see me using two feet on a fork lift truck & say the same thing. :lol::lol:

 

[Peter G]

FWIW - my wife is a driving instructor and the correct method is right foot only.

Why??

Saying something is "the correct method" without giving any explaination in not very convincing.

 

[EmilysDad]

In an emergency it should always be your first instinct to hit the brakes with your right foot therefore removing it from the accelerator

You could argue though, that if you left foot brake, then your left foot will always be hovering somewhere near the brake pedal and doesn't have as far to reach the brake pedal as your right foot has from the throttle :lol:
It's still my left foot that reacts for an emergency stop.

 

[dml]

Err if I'm going to use my left foot to brake what the hell am I going to tap in time with the music?!

 

[EmilysDad]

You missed out pointless

Oh yes! I did!

I'm happy though ............... it's a habit I picked up from my Dad. And I noticed Emily using two feet when she used to drive her Mum's auto Astra ...... obviously picked up from her Dad too. :lol: