Once you have got the hang of the gear lever, the next thing to master is the pedal, in all manual cars there are 3 pedals.
One good way to remember them is to think ABC, accelerator, Brake and Clutch.
The accelerator or the 'gas pedal' is operated by the right foot and is positioned on the far right of the three pedals.
Its main function is to control the rate at which the mixture of fuel and air is supplied to the engine. The name 'gas pedal' is derived from the American 'gasoline' for petrol.
Where a petrol engine is run a carburettor mixes the fuel with the air, which is then drawn into the engine. Many modern cars have an electronic fuel injection system instead of the carburettor. When a diesel engine is used, a high pressure fuel injector delivers the fuel into the cylinders. This is known as a compression-ignition engine.
With both engine types the more pressure you put on the accelerator, the more fuel goes into the engine, in turn generating more power and giving the engine a higher speed. Getting to know the correct amount of pressure to put onto the pedal takes practice, when moving off from standing still you need just the right amount. Too little and the engine will stall, too much and the vehicle will surge forward and if in traffic may possibly cause an accident!
As well as the accelerator, the right foot operates the footbrake. You shouldn't need to use both pedals at the same time! The footbrake is the middle pedal, so your right foot can easily move between the two pedals. The main function of the brake pedal is to slow down or stop the vehicle. When using the pedal the more pressure you apply, the more the vehicle will slow. 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 you need to practice to get using it just right.You should press the footbrake with the ball of your foot, using enough pressure to slow the wheels without causing them to lock.
When using progressive braking, in normal circumstances you should press lightly on the brake pedal to begin with, and gradually press harder as the brakes begin to act. This will give you maximum control and the smoothest stopping for the vehicle. In some more modern cars you will find that they are equipped with dual-circuit braking system. These systems ensure that in the rare event of a braking system failure, there remains some braking available when the brake pedal is pressed. When this happens you will need to push the brake pedal harder than normally necessary.
Many cars will have ABS (anti-lock braking system) fitted as standard or it will be an option to you when buying new. If ABS is fitted it activates automatically when maximum braking pressure is applied. This will prevent the wheels from locking so that you can continue to steer the car during the braking process.
Don't forget though, ABS is only a driving aid. It does not remove the need for good driving practices such as anticipating events and assessing road conditions. You always need to plan well ahead and always brake smoothly and progressively. Finally, the Clutch pedal is the only pedal operated by your left foot, and is located on the far left of the other pedals. The main function of the clutch is that it is the main connection between the engine and the gearbox. It's a connection over which the driver has control, but which requires practice in its use.
In its simplest form, the clutch is made up of two plates. One is connected to the engine and rotates the whole time that 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. When the car is in neutral, even though both plates are touching, the wheels don't turn because no gear is engaged.
To pull off smoothly we all need to find the 'Biting Point', this is the point of engagement when the two plates begin to make contact and the load on the engine increases. You will learn with practice to judge the biting point exactly. You will feel it, and hear it because the engine speed will drop slightly.
The clutch will vary with different cars, and with wear the biting point will change, but with plenty of good practice it will all become easy!
By Rob Morgan at Budgen Motors.
http://www.budgenmotorcars.co.uk/brands.php?section_id=220
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_David_Morgan
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