I recently purchased a second-hand 2008 Toyota Camry. This car comes with a foot-operated parking brake instead of a handbrake. On a slope, I am able to manage a car from going backwards using the typical handbrake and accelerator. How do I do so with a footbrake? I have been taught to use only one foot for the brake pedal and accelerator pedal.
With an automatic transmission, the engine is always coupled to the driven wheels as long as the transmission lever is in one of the drive modes (whether forward, reverse or manual-select). Hence, the car will not roll backwards on a slope when you release the brakes. It may either creep uphill or stay stationary – unless the slope is very steep.
Even then, the transmission provides enough torque to delay a backslide. You should put your left foot on the brake pedal and release it as you apply acceleration with your right foot.
For cars with a robotised-clutch or double-clutch gearbox, the clutch is disengaged whenever the car is at a standstill, even if the gear selector is in Drive.
On a slope, the car could roll back. So you must hold the brake pedal with your left foot and release only as you accelerate to move off. What you should never do with these transmissions is release the brakes and let the transmission hold the car on the slope. This will cause the clutch to slip. If this happens regularly, it will lead to premature wear.
There is no rule that says you cannot use your left foot for the brake pedal.
Group Test: 2008 Nissan Teana vs 2008 Honda Accord vs 2008 Toyota Camry
Singapore’s uncle-saloon triumvirate of Toyota Camry, Nissan Teana and Honda Accord
