The foot controls

The accelerator/gas pedal

This is operated by the right foot and is positioned on the extreme right of the group of three pedals.

Function

The accelerator controls the ratio of fuel and air that’s supplied to the engine. The name ‘gas pedal’ is derived from ‘gasoline’, the American word for petrol.

Petrol engines

All modern cars have an electronic fuel-injection system, designed to give optimum engine performance.

Older cars had a carburettor that mixed the fuel with air as it was drawn into the engine.

Diesel engines

A high-pressure fuel injector delivers the fuel into the cylinders. This is known as a compression-ignition engine.

In both engine types

The more you press the accelerator, the more fuel goes to the engine, the more power is generated and the higher the engine speed.

Knowing the right amount of pressure to put on the accelerator takes practice. Accelerating fiercely wastes fuel and creates noise.

When moving off, you need just the right amount. Too little, and the engine stalls. Too much, and the vehicle can surge forward.

The footbrake

The right foot operates the footbrake as well as the accelerator. You shouldn’t need to use both controls at the same time.

The footbrake is the middle of the group of three pedals, so the right foot can travel smoothly and quickly from one to the other.

Function

The footbrake is used to slow down or stop the vehicle.

Using the footbrake

The more pressure you put on the footbrake, the more the vehicle will slow down.

Slowing down under control isn’t just a matter of slamming the footbrake on as hard as you can. As with the other foot controls, using the footbrake needs practice.

Press the footbrake with the ball of your foot. Use enough pressure to slow the wheels without allowing them to lock.

Progressive braking

In normal circumstances, always press lightly on the brake pedal to begin with and gradually press harder as the brakes begin to act. This is known as progressive braking, and will give maximum control as well as smoother stopping.

Dual-circuit braking

Modern cars are equipped with dual-circuit braking systems. These systems ensure that, in the rare event of a braking system failure, there remains some braking available when the brake pedal is pressed. Under these conditions it may be necessary to push the brake pedal harder than normal.

Anti-lock braking system

Many cars either have an anti-lock braking system (ABS) fitted or have it available as an option.

If ABS is fitted it activates automatically. It prevents the wheels from locking, so that you can continue to steer the vehicle while braking. You should refer to the vehicle handbook for details of the manufacturer’s recommended method of use.

ABS is only a driver aid; it doesn’t help the vehicle to stop more quickly. Nor does it remove the need for good driving practices such as anticipating events and assessing road conditions. You still need to plan well ahead and brake smoothly and progressively.

The clutch

The clutch pedal is operated by the left foot and is on the left of the group of three pedals.

Function

The clutch is the connection between the engine and the gearbox. It’s a connection over which the driver has control, but which requires practice in its use.

How it works

In its simplest form, the clutch is made up of two plates. One is connected to the engine and rotates all the time the engine is running. The other is linked to the gearbox and rotates only when it’s held against the first plate by springs.

When you press the clutch pedal, you force the plates apart, breaking the drive connection.

In neutral, even though both plates are touching, the wheels don’t turn because no gear is engaged.

The ‘biting point’

The point of engagement, when the two plates begin to make contact and the load on the engine increases, is known as the ‘biting point’.

You’ll learn with practice to judge the biting point exactly. You’ll feel it, and hear it because the engine speed will drop slightly.

The feel of the clutch will vary with different vehicles. Also, as the clutch plates begin to wear, the biting point may change.

Clutch control

Being able to sense the biting point is a crucial part of clutch control.

The other important part is allowing the clutch plates to engage fully and smoothly. If the plates come together too suddenly, the engine can stall or the vehicle may lurch sharply.

Good clutch control comes only with practice, and is essential when moving off or changing gear