Anyone else left foot brake in an auto?

[macaroni]

Hi,
after only a few days with my 3200GT auto, I realised it was much more comfortable and natural to use my left foot to brake with.

Does anyone else do that in a 3200? Or a 4200CC for that matter?

Antony

 

[LDM 3200]

When driving Autos I use to try to place my foot away from the pedal as I was always slightly nervous I would hit a pedal with each foot in an emergency, not driven an auto for years now though.

I guess as long as you remember to release the right foot it shouldn't be a problem and could make things a bit quicker?

 

[jayblue]

I sometimes left foot brake in the GS, usually when no one else is following me just in case i have a bit of brain fade and press the pedal too hard! When i first got the car i pressed the brake several times imagining it was the clutch - luckily no one was near enough to run into me but i'm sure it gave the forecourt attendant a good laugh when i pulled up to get my petrol.

 

[highlander]

Rightly or wrongly, I generally right foot brake........just feels more natural having always driven manuals before marci and still driving a manual Alfa GT so best keeps it simples I think

 

[allandwf]

Wifes 4x4's auto, just use the right foot in it.

 

[CatmanV2]

Pretty sure left foot braking is very discouraged on the road.

C

 

[2b1ask1]

Only ever left foot brake in two pedal cars. I had a couple of old British motorbikes growing up so left foot was trained to brake! As an apprentice I was driving so many machines each day all with different pedal and control configurations it just became second nature to adapt to the best for each vehicle. Then my first road legal car was an auto so I learnt then and have carried on ever since. I actually have more issues when returning to three pedals remembering to right foot brake again... I figure you can be on the brakes much faster with the spare foot than by lifting, moving and then braking.


Also my right knee is knackered so that also helps...

 

[QP4Me]

Right foot only. Both feet leads to bad habbits!

 

[casadalloro]

Modern cars dont suit left foot....i would left foot a manual front wheel drive car( like my rally cars from years ago.. Clio 2.0 and 5GT turbo) pushing on on a road i know or track to balance the back end....BUT i once tried it on the Giulietta and due to all the electronics it just stopped me dead... You need to know what you are at, be very committed and be able to turn all electronic help off.... We Retired from ulster rally years ago and saw alain orielle perfectly drift his clio round a 90 right... Thought he was left footing but turned out he handbraked round.. It was a 4th down to 3rd gear corner.... Its takes some balls to handbrake at that speed.......just watch some of jean ragnotti on youtube in R5 turbo 2 and clio 16v for left foot lessons and inch perfect drifting... One of the best rally drivers EVER....

 

[BL330]

Hi Antony,

I raised this exact subject with a group of 10 or so mates recently and they looked at me like I had 2 heads.
Left foot braking is a better way to drive an automatic or Cambiocorsa gearbox. It provides a faster response time as you don't have the lag moving between pedals.
I also remember an advanced driving book by Frank Gardiner who espoused being prepared for situations on racetracks or street, by hovering the foot over the brake when you sense a possible braking situation to cut down reaction time.
I find it is a smoother driving experience.
The big issue in most minds, is what happens when I get in a manual. I've got other cars that are manual and have no problems adapting between them.
I've been left foot braking for probably a dozen years.

Regards,

Bruce

 

[Ian3200]

I only ever use my left foot for accelerator and brake, never use my right foot...

 

[BL330]

Hi Ian,

Wouldn't that make your driving position a bit uncomfortable?

By the way loved the photos of your car and the results from Swissvax.
Seriously looking into that as a level above the Meguiars.

Regards,

Bruce

 

[alfatwo]

Just like in carts,I've always left foot braked in auto's...I tried it a few times in my manual 3200GT but braking and accelerating at the same time isn't allowed as the engine management ECU goes into limp mode...

You don't have this problem with old Quattroporte Evo's though,you can make those things dance!

Dave

 

[Ian3200]

Hi Ian,

Wouldn't that make your driving position a bit uncomfortable?

By the way loved the photos of your car and the results from Swissvax.
Seriously looking into that as a level above the Meguiars.

Regards,

Bruce

Thanks for comments about the car Bruce

As for driving position, I find it's OK, but then I don't have much choice as I'm an above knee amputee ;-)
I've driven a 911, Rolls Royce, several BMWs, loads of Fords, Vauxhalls, Volkswagons, Mercs, loads of cars over the years, and although I can only drive autos, I've never had any issues at all, it's not as bad as you might imagine...

 

[2b1ask1]

I tried it a few times in my manual 3200GT but braking and accelerating at the same time isn't allowed as the engine management ECU goes into limp mode...

e

I wonder if that was the cause of Davy's issues in the contraflow in France???

 

[davy83]

"I canny get any more out of her captain" was not my finest hour, and has not happened before or since, so it could be something like this!!!

I wonder if that was the cause of Davy's issues in the contraflow in France???

 

[Contigo]

Most modern ecus don't allow left foot braking.

 

[Felonious Crud]

Left foot for me. After years of manuals it took some practice to train my brain to understand the concept of not just stamping on the left pedal, but I find it far easier now and makes for smoother, more responsive driving.