Going on a road trip with your family and friends is loads of fun, but if you’re the driver, it can get tiring really fast. Driving those long hours can make your feet hurt and your back sore. With a dead pedal in your car, however, your legs get a lot more support, which can make all the difference while you’re driving.
What Is a Dead Pedal?
Despite what its name suggests, a dead pedal isn’t actually a pedal. It’s a flat surface situated to the left of a car’s clutch or brake pedal that serves as a footrest for the driver.
A dead pedal is either as big as the accelerator pedal or much larger, and it’s typically made of a metal plate, rubber block, or hard plastic.
Why You Should Install a Dead Pedal in Your Car
A dead pedal isn’t a necessity, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to have one in your car. In fact, having a dead pedal comes with its fair share of benefits.
Makes Driving More Comfortable
If you have a footrest at home, then you know just how comfortable a dead pedal can be. The added support might not seem like a big deal, but it can make a big difference when you’re stuck in traffic or going on a long drive.
If you’re suffering from back or knee issues, dead pedals can also help reduce the stress on the muscles and nerves in your leg, knee, and back.
Prevents Clutch Wear
The tiniest pressure on your clutch pedal can cause the clutch plate to pull from the engine’s flywheel, increasing wear that can be pretty expensive to repair later on.
With a dead pedal, you can prevent clutch wear by giving your foot something else to rest on instead of your clutch pedal.
Makes Manual Transmission Shifting Easier
When driving a manual transmission, lifting your foot from the floor to your clutch pedal to depress it can be tiring. It’s easier and faster to slide your foot from a dead pedal to the clutch pedal. Plus, you’ll have better control when switching gears.
Helps Prevent Accidents
In a car crash, a split-second makes all the difference, and having a dead pedal can give you that extra split-second by giving you time to brace yourself before sudden, hard braking.
You’re less likely to lose balance with your foot resting on the dead pedal, which is ideal when you’re bracing for impact. You can also apply more pressure to the brake pedal while keeping yourself situated in the driver’s seat.
Types of Dead Pedals
All dead pedals serve the same function, but you can still find different types on the market that offer a few extra features here and there.
Basic Dead Pedal
This is the most common type of dead pedal you’ll find on the market. A basic dead pedal is a flat surface located to the left of the clutch or brake pedal, and it’s typically made of the same material as the vehicle’s floor mats or pedals.
Angled Dead Pedal
As its name suggests, an angled dead pedal is angled slightly upward to provide additional comfort and support. It’s perfect for those who like to go on long drives as the angle slants to fit the driver’s foot.
Adjustable Dead Pedal
If you’re looking for something you can easily customize to your own preference, look no further than an adjustable dead pedal. You don’t have to worry about your legs being too short or too long anymore.
With an adjustable pedal, you can move the dead pedal forward or backward until your foot fits snugly against the dead pedal.
Lighted Dead Pedal
Did you know some dead pedals come with LED lights? You can typically find lighted dead pedals on high-end vehicles. While many drivers like them for their aesthetic purposes, they can be pretty useful in low-light conditions too.
Textured Dead Pedal
Does your foot sometimes slide off your dead pedal because it’s too slippery? Say goodbye to that problem with a textured dead pedal. As its name suggests, a textured dead pedal has a rough or grippy surface, which provides greater traction for the sole of your shoe.
Do All Cars Have a Dead Pedal?
No, not all vehicles come with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) dead pedal, but they’re pretty common in race cars.
Upmarket models and vehicles with the steering wheel on the right side usually come with an OEM dead pedal as well.
How Much Does a Dead Pedal Cost?
If your vehicle doesn’t come with an OEM dead pedal, you can always buy and install one yourself. You can find universal-fit dead pedals or look for an aftermarket upgrade specific to your vehicle’s make, model, and year. In general, they can cost anywhere from $10 to $160.
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