Why Are Automatic Brake Pedals So Large?

[Rabid]

OK, I'm a bit on the drunk side, so bear with me. After about 15min of solid debating. No one between my buddies and I can descide on the reasoning behind the fact that the brake pedal in automatic cars, is more than twice the size of the pedal in manual transmission cars. It seems to me they could have easily just added a larger foot rest, or maybe a place to hide a firearm. Instead they just made the pedal really damn big. Hopefully someone can tell me why the pedal is so large.

Also, as long as were at it. Im curious to see what peoples ideas are as to something we could put in the spot where the clutch normally is, instead of just making the brake pedal larger. I personally think a toaster, and a place for butter and/or jelly would be an excellent thing to put there.

Edited June 4, 2007 by Rabid

[2rismo]

That's a bloody good question.

[PM-R33]

Hahahahahahahha "a place to hide a firearm" thats gold!!

[RustyR32Gtst]

They made it that big so you can put both feet on the pedal, it's called toe toe braking, only the best racing drivers use this method.

[predator]

It's so grandma always knows where to stomp in case of emergency.

[dangerous_daveo]

Your drunk at 5.55pm on a Monday night, then come on here asking that question?

Anyway, good question. Google has NOTHING. What I find funny is when the pedal has 'brake' writen across it. So maybe thats it. It wouldnt fit on a manual sized pedal.

But I think auto pedals should be even size. So like the accelerator is as big as the brake. So they can both be bigger.

[R33GTS25]

It's so grandma always knows where to stomp in case of emergency.

LMAO On that note, an old lady today almost got herself killed today, i was turning right and she was pulling away from the kerb and instead of accelerating to get out of my way, she hit the brake and i almost went into her door. We seriously need some kind of basic crash avoidance course because people have no f**king idea what to do in emergencies. I have a mate who pulled his handbrake at 90km/h because his car stalled and he had no brakes, he paniced, pulled it really hard and ended up in a pole. Ive done a driving course, next on my list is CAMS license man i cant wait!

[GTR32GUS]

Auto brake pedal are bigger because they can be , only 2 pedals not 3 use some common sence ppl

[R33GTS25]

We know that, but WHY would u bother making it bigger? no point to it.

[GTR32GUS]

no there is no point but like i said it is bigger because it can be bigger

[ceedub]

How about this answer:

The brake pedal gets used more in automatic cars - therefore larger pedal to prevent it wearing out?

In manual cars most people gear down instead of braking hence less wear on the pedal, therefore smaller pedal.

makes sense to me

[Haysey]

because people that drive autos are a bit on the special side and need help in stopping

[Basti]

Your drunk at 5.55pm on a Monday night, then come on here asking that question?

Anyway, good question. Google has NOTHING. What I find funny is when the pedal has 'brake' writen across it. So maybe thats it. It wouldnt fit on a manual sized pedal.

But I think auto pedals should be even size. So like the accelerator is as big as the brake. So they can both be bigger.

haha that reminds me of my old school caretaker's buggy thing. it had two pedals too. a big green one that said GO and a big red one that said STOP.

maybe the pedal is bigger because us auto drivers have bigger feet. and you know what they say bout big feet....

[BaysideBlue]

extreme brake pedal

[racsov500]

some vans have a manual sized brake pedal cause of the steering colum

[Rabid]

Your drunk at 5.55pm on a Monday night

I'm east coast, United States. It was more like 3 or 4am for me, on Sunday night.

and you know what they say bout big feet...

Large shoes?

I still think there should be a toaster in that spot instead. I can't tell you how many times I have been driving, thinking to myself "I could really go for some toast right now.. or a pop tart.. or toaster strudel", only to be disappointed by the fact that I have a clutch pedal instead of a toaster. Dodgey engineering for sure.

[Rabid]

They made it that big so you can put both feet on the pedal, it's called toe toe braking, only the best racing drivers use this method.

I thought when you put both feet on it, it was called 'OHH SHIT!!' braking..

[LBR33]

It's so grandma always knows where to stomp in case of emergency.

I thought thats what women use the accelerator for in a emergency

[scathing]

A wider brake pedal would make it easier to left foot brake, as you don't have to put your two feet as close together and possibly foul each other.

Not saying its the reason, just suggesting it as a reason.

[RBwhatever]

Has anyone driven some of the newer auto's that has a foot brake instead of a handbrake? For those that don't know about it, they install this foot brake/pedal exactly where the clutch is on a manual car.

Has anyone subconsciously tried to clutch an auto and hit this foot brake before?