Left foot braking.

pookie · Mar 23rd, 2018, 19:53

Those Volvo drivers who have automatic transmissions, how many of you brake with the left foot?

Salut!

Pookie

john.wigley · Mar 23rd, 2018, 20:18

We've run automatics since 1985, 'pookie', and NEVER left-foot brake. The only time the left foot touched the brake pedal was when warming up the engine in the days of carburetors with manual chokes.

Regards. John.

Harvey1512 · Mar 23rd, 2018, 20:29

I've got a superb auto. When I test drove it I asked the sales guy for any advice, having not really driven an auto much before. "Put your left foot on the footrest and don't move it until you get out of the car". I've followed that advice.

Any reason not to?

anotherv60 · Mar 23rd, 2018, 20:29

I tried it after I passed my test, many years ago now - nearly put my head through the windscreen! It is amazing how difficult it is haven't tried it since!

Waynedance · Mar 23rd, 2018, 20:47

Certainly not... have known people that have done it, no no no.....

canis · Mar 23rd, 2018, 20:55

Is there anything actually gained by it?

The Thong · Mar 23rd, 2018, 20:58

My father drummed it into me..... When driving an Auto always forget you have a left foot, sound advice

TT

AndyJudge · Mar 23rd, 2018, 21:03

Used in Rally driving & circuit racing to balance the car whilst keeping the engine in the power band.

Have tried it on closed roads etc. very difficult to master & no advantage to be had on public roads.

Of course brake wear is increased to boot.

S60RDesign · Mar 23rd, 2018, 21:17

It’s natural in karts or racing cars but with the position of the brake pedal in road cars it’s very difficult. Unless you’re on a race track looking to shave lap time there can’t be much to gain by it

biggbn · Mar 23rd, 2018, 21:19

Used it a lot in old freewheel Saab 96s. Huge fun. Good in fwd for tucking nose in and getting tail up on its toes. With freewheel you could match engine revs under braking and pull out of corners swiftly. Huge fun cars.

Mar 23rd, 2018, 19:53	#1
pookie Premier Member Last Online: Apr 2nd, 2021 21:13 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Stockport	Left foot braking. Those Volvo drivers who have automatic transmissions, how many of you brake with the left foot? Salut! Pookie __________________ Growing old disgracefully

Mar 23rd, 2018, 20:18	#2
john.wigley VOC Member since 1986 Last Online: Today 12:17 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Leicestershire	We've run automatics since 1985, 'pookie', and NEVER left-foot brake. The only time the left foot touched the brake pedal was when warming up the engine in the days of carburetors with manual chokes. Regards. John. __________________ Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana .....

Mar 23rd, 2018, 20:29	#3
Harvey1512 Premier Member Last Online: Jan 30th, 2021 12:00 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Northumberland	I've got a superb auto. When I test drove it I asked the sales guy for any advice, having not really driven an auto much before. "Put your left foot on the footrest and don't move it until you get out of the car". I've followed that advice. Any reason not to? __________________ I used to have an S40, V60 and XC60 so I am allowed here, honest.

Mar 23rd, 2018, 20:29	#4
anotherv60 Master Member Last Online: Feb 28th, 2024 19:49 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Derbyshire	I tried it after I passed my test, many years ago now - nearly put my head through the windscreen! It is amazing how difficult it is haven't tried it since! __________________ MY20 XC40 T4 R-Design, Xenium, Intellisafe Pro, Winter, Tow bar, Thunder Grey Previous: MY18 V90, MY15 V60

Mar 23rd, 2018, 20:47	#5
Waynedance Senior Member Last Online: Mar 15th, 2021 22:31 Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Nuneaton	Certainly not... have known people that have done it, no no no..... __________________ S80 P3 SE LUX D5 Auto

Mar 23rd, 2018, 20:55	#6
canis Non Fragile Last Online: Oct 13th, 2023 05:46 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Chadderton, Oldham	Is there anything actually gained by it?

Mar 23rd, 2018, 20:58	#7
The Thong VOC Member Last Online: Yesterday 21:42 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: The Independent Republic of Leamington Spa	My father drummed it into me..... When driving an Auto always forget you have a left foot, sound advice TT __________________ Never underestimate the power of stupid. It’ can’t be reasoned or negotiated with and you’ll never never beat it…. Cut your losses, smile and walk away Currently Volvoless but Thong will be back

Mar 23rd, 2018, 21:03	#8
AndyJudge Premier Member Last Online: Feb 18th, 2024 17:40 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Hebburn	Used in Rally driving & circuit racing to balance the car whilst keeping the engine in the power band. Have tried it on closed roads etc. very difficult to master & no advantage to be had on public roads. Of course brake wear is increased to boot. __________________ Current 2015 XC60 D5 AWD - Caspian Blue Previous 2012 XC60 D5 AWD - Seashell Metallic Previous 2005 S60 D5 Geartronic - Gunmetal Previous 2001 C70 T5 GT Auto Convertible - Saffron Previous 1999 S40 XS - Silver

Mar 23rd, 2018, 21:17	#9
S60RDesign Member Last Online: Jan 27th, 2024 16:28 Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Lincoln	It’s natural in karts or racing cars but with the position of the brake pedal in road cars it’s very difficult. Unless you’re on a race track looking to shave lap time there can’t be much to gain by it

Mar 23rd, 2018, 21:19	#10
biggbn I've Been Banned Last Online: Nov 7th, 2020 20:13 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: dundee View Photos By: biggbn	Used it a lot in old freewheel Saab 96s. Huge fun. Good in fwd for tucking nose in and getting tail up on its toes. With freewheel you could match engine revs under braking and pull out of corners swiftly. Huge fun cars.

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