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What is a Dead Pedal?

Henry Gaudet
Henry Gaudet

A dead pedal is a foot rest located to the left of the other pedals in a car. Racing vehicles and commercial cars with manual transmission, especially upmarket models and vehicles with steering on the right-hand side, are often equipped with a dead pedal. Usually, this pedal has a metal plate or rubber pad, but some are simply a raised portion of the floor, and some race cars might be equipped with a moving dead pedal.

The dead pedal serves primarily as a foot rest so that the driver is not tempted to ride the clutch. Even when pressure is not applied, placing the foot on the clutch will cause additional wear. In addition, the pedal’s raised position makes for a more comfortable driving experience.

Race cars often have dead pedals to cut response time.
Race cars often have dead pedals to cut response time.

Racing cars in particular include dead pedals to cut response time. A foot resting on the floor must swing up and around the clutch pedal and can misstep or catch on the pedal’s side instead of stepping squarely on the top. Keeping the foot in a raised position makes clutching easier, quicker and smoother. Road vehicles equipped with these pedals enjoy the same advantages.

Drivers might take advantage of these pedals when executing sharp turns or braking. When the driver anticipates a difficult maneuver or even a collision, bracing keeps the driver from sliding and helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle. Without this pedal, the driver is more likely to try to reflexively brace with the right foot, even if that foot has not yet moved to the brake from the accelerator.

Not all cars are equipped with a dead pedal. Many of the advantages of using one are associated with manual transmission vehicles, and manufacturers often leave them out of automatics. Cars with left-side driving already have a raised portion of the floor because of the wheel well, and this might function as a dead pedal even if no pad or plate is installed. A car driven from the right side, where the driver’s left foot is in the vehicle’s center, is more likely to have a dead pedal installed.

Even when cars are not equipped with factory-installed dead pedals, aftermarket pedals are widely available and can be installed by most mechanics. For drivers who are not concerned with cosmetics and who wish for a purely functional foot rest, a simple wooden block can be fixed in position. Drivers who want a pedal that matches the vehicle’s other pedals can find a wide variety of designs in auto parts stores and through online vendors.

Discussion Comments

anon992451

If it sounds useless, read the article again. Dead pedals make a huge difference to driver comfort and performance. If you have 36 years of experience you have probably driven at least one car that had a dead pedal and you didn't even know. If you rest your foot anywhere other than behind the clutch pedal its probably a dead pedal.

anon335136

I would have to see the Patriot, but would think that you could somehow saw out the dead pedal. I have driven a stick shift for 36 years and never heard of a dead pedal until the other day. Sounds useless to me.

anon188300

I hate my 2011 Patriot because of this stupid dead pedal. Everyone talks about adding one. How do I get rid of one?

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    • Race cars often have dead pedals to cut response time.
      By: Christopher Dodge
      Race cars often have dead pedals to cut response time.