Which foot when braking with auto?

lx mike · 11-27-2001, 07:33 PM

All I used to drive was automatics and I would left-foot-brake but now that I've been driving my 5 speed I noticed that when I drive an automatic I just use my right foot for braking.

Coupe Devil · 11-27-2001, 07:44 PM

Stick or auto didnt ever make a difference to me. I used the right foot in town driving, left when I was driving like I shouldn't have been through the corners, and both after I realized how I was driving.

69fastback · 11-27-2001, 08:08 PM

I always use my left foot to brake in atuomatics. Most people think i am weird for it. I just think it is quicker to get on the gas that way.

90'5.0 Conv · 11-27-2001, 08:26 PM

*69fastback*
I have a friend of mine with a 67 fastback that wants me to build his car for him. We are going to be putting a 428 CJ in it. Do you have any advice? Also, if you brought your car to the track, what kind of times are you runnin? Appreciate any help
Thanks
James

1BAD89 · 11-28-2001, 12:05 AM

You should always brake with your right foot. If you use you left, sooner or later your going to crash and burn....

6T9PONY · 11-28-2001, 01:41 AM

I always use my right foot....I am about 50/50 between manuals and automatics so I get used to using my right for both gas and brakes.....

PKRWUD · 11-28-2001, 04:33 AM

If I had to brake with my left foot, the passenger would go through the windshield. Kinda hard to change after 20+ years, y'know?

Take care,
-Chris

1969Mach1 · 11-28-2001, 07:16 AM

I always break with my right foot. I'd be the same as PKRWUD the passengers would go threw the windshield, and I'd be going threw my breaks monthly. =) I've tried using my left foot and I just can't do it. lol I'll go to hit the break and I'll hit the gas too, I can't handle it. lol

RAGE_5.0 · 11-28-2001, 07:17 AM

up here in ontario canada if u use ur left foot for the brakes on ur drivers test u fail

cyberstang5.0 · 11-28-2001, 09:10 AM

well.... according to my drver's ed class (a long time ago) I had to learn on an auto. They told me to use only one foot, the right one. Well, ever since I tought myself how to drive a standard, yes, I tought myself.... when I am in an auto I use two feet now. I am so use to using my left foot for the clutch when I drive a standard, I feel like it has to do something. I don't think it really matters as long as you stop, right? Also, if you do decide to use two feet when driving an auto, make sure that you don't accidently "ride" the brake.

PKRWUD · 11-28-2001, 09:54 AM

A while back, someone determined that it was unhealthy for the driver to pull their left leg in against the seat while driving an automatic, so they molded a "pad" into the floorboard roughly opposite of where the right foot sits while driving. That way, the driver can comfortably position both feet equal distances in front of them while driving, which is said to be better for posture, avoiding cramps, etc. Don't believe it? Go check any car. Anyway, that tells me that the idea of using your left foot in an automatic tranny car wasn't the designers intention.

Take care,
-Chris

MTU 50 · 11-28-2001, 10:19 AM

I almost always use my left foot. As long as you don't ride the brake and you are used to it there is no problem.

I started doing this in the hope that my left foot would be used to doing something instead of just sitting there, because I wanted to do an AOD to T-5 swap. However, I have never had the extra $1000-$1500 laying around to do it. So what I'm left with is braking with my left foot.

Really once you get used to it, it isn't that bad and it does allow for a better reaction time taking off from stoplights

Fox Body · 11-28-2001, 07:44 PM

I use my left foot (always) with auto and right with manual (obviously).

OnMy3rdStang · 12-02-2001, 05:23 AM

I alternate. Most of the time I use my right foot for both and whe I race I used my left to brake and right to kick some a$$ hehehe

I dont think it makes a difference
*haley*

scott93gt · 12-02-2001, 09:22 AM

I always use the left for auto's and the right for manuals. I don't even think about it. If I try to use the right for an auto, the passengers do the "kiss the windshield" move. It drives my wife crazy. I have been driving this way since I was 17 with my 1976 Ford Gran Torino Elite.

joe4speed · 12-02-2001, 09:42 AM

I use my right foot as well... My father used his left foot to brake and it drove me nuts! Just driving behind him you could see that he rode the brake all the time!

11-27-2001, 07:33 PM	#1
lx mike Undescribable Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Ft Myers Fla Posts: 1,539	Which foot when braking with auto? All I used to drive was automatics and I would left-foot-brake but now that I've been driving my 5 speed I noticed that when I drive an automatic I just use my right foot for braking. __________________ Rice Haters Club Member #101

11-27-2001, 07:44 PM	#2
Coupe Devil Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Myrtle Beach SC Posts: 1,643	Stick or auto didnt ever make a difference to me. I used the right foot in town driving, left when I was driving like I shouldn't have been through the corners, and both after I realized how I was driving. __________________ 1990 GT, 347, TFS TW Heads, TFS Cam, TFS Track heat, Twin turbos, FMIC, T5. Built Ford Tough Moderator

11-27-2001, 08:08 PM	#3
69fastback IRAQ VET Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: high desert California Posts: 1,480	I always use my left foot to brake in atuomatics. Most people think i am weird for it. I just think it is quicker to get on the gas that way. __________________ 428 Cobra Jet SOHC 5.4 3V F-150 96 mystic cobra 91 GT

11-27-2001, 08:26 PM	#4
90'5.0 Conv Long time member in and out Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Albany, Ga Posts: 343	69fastback I have a friend of mine with a 67 fastback that wants me to build his car for him. We are going to be putting a 428 CJ in it. Do you have any advice? Also, if you brought your car to the track, what kind of times are you runnin? Appreciate any help Thanks James __________________ 90' Mustang GT Convertible- C4 w/ manual body 4.10's soon to be 3.27's 2 Ch Flowmasters 1/8th ET 9.04

11-28-2001, 04:33 AM	#7
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	If I had to brake with my left foot, the passenger would go through the windshield. Kinda hard to change after 20+ years, y'know? Take care, -Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

11-28-2001, 12:05 AM	#5
1BAD89 Tubbed and Juiced Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 1,861	You should always brake with your right foot. If you use you left, sooner or later your going to crash and burn....

11-28-2001, 01:41 AM	#6
6T9PONY All about the Windsor. Join Date: Feb 2000 Posts: 2,052	I always use my right foot....I am about 50/50 between manuals and automatics so I get used to using my right for both gas and brakes.....

11-28-2001, 07:16 AM	#8
1969Mach1 HEY I CAN SET A NAME NOW! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,556	I always break with my right foot. I'd be the same as PKRWUD the passengers would go threw the windshield, and I'd be going threw my breaks monthly. =) I've tried using my left foot and I just can't do it. lol I'll go to hit the break and I'll hit the gas too, I can't handle it. lol __________________ 1969 Mustang Mach 1Sold 351-4V Windsor, 4 Speed MACH 1 - Moving At The Speed Of Sound. 1979 Mustang Indianapolis 500 Pace Car For Sale - Email me for Info 302-2V, 3-Speed Auto One of 2,106 made One of 405 sent to Canada. Yes those are caution lights, and No you can't pass me when there on. Ricer Hater's Club - Member #4

11-28-2001, 07:17 AM	#9
RAGE_5.0 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Leamington, Ontario, Canada Posts: 767	up here in ontario canada if u use ur left foot for the brakes on ur drivers test u fail __________________ Black 1990 Cobra Mac offroad H pipe, Hooker aerochambers , k&n bunch of stuff that I'm to lazy to type out sitting in my room

11-28-2001, 09:10 AM	#10
cyberstang5.0 347ci of HORSE POWER!!! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,416	well.... according to my drver's ed class (a long time ago) I had to learn on an auto. They told me to use only one foot, the right one. Well, ever since I tought myself how to drive a standard, yes, I tought myself.... when I am in an auto I use two feet now. I am so use to using my left foot for the clutch when I drive a standard, I feel like it has to do something. I don't think it really matters as long as you stop, right? Also, if you do decide to use two feet when driving an auto, make sure that you don't accidently "ride" the brake.

11-28-2001, 09:54 AM	#11
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	A while back, someone determined that it was unhealthy for the driver to pull their left leg in against the seat while driving an automatic, so they molded a "pad" into the floorboard roughly opposite of where the right foot sits while driving. That way, the driver can comfortably position both feet equal distances in front of them while driving, which is said to be better for posture, avoiding cramps, etc. Don't believe it? Go check any car. Anyway, that tells me that the idea of using your left foot in an automatic tranny car wasn't the designers intention. Take care, -Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

11-28-2001, 10:19 AM	#12
MTU 50 GOT TORQUE ???? Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: New Hudson, Michigan, USA Posts: 689	I almost always use my left foot. As long as you don't ride the brake and you are used to it there is no problem. I started doing this in the hope that my left foot would be used to doing something instead of just sitting there, because I wanted to do an AOD to T-5 swap. However, I have never had the extra $1000-$1500 laying around to do it. So what I'm left with is braking with my left foot. Really once you get used to it, it isn't that bad and it does allow for a better reaction time taking off from stoplights __________________ 1991 GT, AOD, Moroso Cold Air, 3.73s, Pulleys, H-pipe, MAC Pro-Dumps, FMS c-springs, and KYBs, A/c delete, 190 LPH fuel pump, 3-row radiator, Maximum Motorsports full length subframes 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada(wife's car) 2005 Ford Taurus SEL (company ride) GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS !!!!

11-28-2001, 07:44 PM	#13
Fox Body Mustang Maniac Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: GA, U.S.A Posts: 2,266	I use my left foot (always) with auto and right with manual (obviously). __________________ 351W-powered 1979 Ford Mustang Ghia notchback '79 Video @ Idle Stock 5.8L under 4" cowl 'glass hood, C4 w/ Transgo shift kit, Holley 750 cfm, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake; Fluidyne Al radiator, Flexalite 175 electric fan, 1 5/8" MAC shorty headers, FRPP Al driveshaft; S&W 6-point cage; 2.5" Off road H-pipe, 2-chamber Flowmasters, 8.8" Rear w/ 3.55s; Weld wheels (15x6;15x8), Front: 225/60/15, Rear: 275/50/15 Nitto NT 555R Drag Radials; 14 x 4” K&N X-stream air filter. '92 GT (5-speed) Small In Car Video Stock 5.0L, 2-chamber Flowmasters, MAC CAI, Tri-Ax, Al pedals... "Red, thou art my companion. Hasten now your quickened metamorphosis to Green that I may conquer all who dare abide there beside me. May they be left thither behind burnt black." ---Fox Body

12-02-2001, 05:23 AM	#14
OnMy3rdStang Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 644	I alternate. Most of the time I use my right foot for both and whe I race I used my left to brake and right to kick some a$$ hehehe I dont think it makes a difference haley __________________ Danica Patrick is my homegirl

12-02-2001, 09:22 AM	#15
scott93gt Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Saltsburg, PA USA Posts: 468	I always use the left for auto's and the right for manuals. I don't even think about it. If I try to use the right for an auto, the passengers do the "kiss the windshield" move. It drives my wife crazy. I have been driving this way since I was 17 with my 1976 Ford Gran Torino Elite. __________________ Scott 1993 Mustang GT Silver CC/Titanium Accent GT, Black Clothe interior. 5 speed, Hurst Competition Plus, 3 chamber Flows, 3.08's. 2010 VW GTI 2dr 6MT (no pictures yet) 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

12-02-2001, 09:42 AM	#16
joe4speed He said Member...heh, heh Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Jupiter, Florida U.S.A. Posts: 3,718	I use my right foot as well... My father used his left foot to brake and it drove me nuts! Just driving behind him you could see that he rode the brake all the time! __________________ *Joe!* 1988 GT, 13.58@101mph Check out my listing! Click here! Or my website:www.joe4speed.com

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