Safety of Pedal Extenders for Shorties Like Me?

June 13, 2018 2:32 PM

What's your experience been with them? Any specific brands you recommend?

In the three manual cars I've driven, it's always been a bit of a stretch to fully press down the clutch. I am in the market for a car and would like a manual, so I'm trying to preemptively problem-solve. I am considering using a pedal extender, but have been put off by some Amazon reviews (added weight makes pedals dangerously sensitive, pedals flip around, screws get caught in mats).

Possible caveats: I've actually only spent a few hours driving manuals, so I'd be learning on this car. Experimenting with different pedal equipment feels a little risky because of lack of experience. Plus I live in a hilly city.

I am curious to know people's experience with them or if anyone has recommended brands. If it turns out to be too much of a hassle, I am open to an automatic but I've wanted to learn manual for a while!

(This is my first post, though I've been a long-time lurker. So here is a big thank you to the MeFi community for all the nuggets of wisdom I've quietly snatched up over the years!)

posted by bruschetta_cat to Travel & Transportation (5 answers total)

What I would suggest first, before investigating special accessibility modifications for a car, is to investigate specific cars that are well designed to be used by shorter people. If you google up "good cars for short people" you'll find quite a few Top X lists by various review organizations that talk about specific vehicles and what the manufacturers have done to accommodate those of modest stature.
posted by seanmpuckett at 4:03 PM on June 13, 2018

How about a cushion for the back of the seat? I keep a rolled-up towel in the car for lumbar support and I don’t have to move the seat forward as much to fully depress the clutch. It easily gives me another 3”.
posted by kiripin at 5:39 PM on June 13, 2018 [1 favorite]

One thing to consider is that the only time you really need to fully depress the clutch is when you're first starting the car (because of the starter safety interlock switch on the pedal.) There is quite a bit of dead travel on most cars past the point where the clutch is totally disengaged and the pedal is bottomed out on the floor. Pushing the clutch past the point where it's fully disengaged is not necessary once the car is started. (Yes, plenty of people have been taught that the only right way to do it is to push it clear to the floor... that is a myth/simplification.) Having said that, you may find it more comfortable to not have to extend your leg even that far, so a pedal extender still might make things more comfortable for you. Good luck and welcome to the three-pedal club!
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 6:41 PM on June 13, 2018

BMWs particularly have nice, evenly positioned pedals mostly in the same plane, more than other cars. Many also have a lot of adjustability in seat and steering wheel position, so you're more likely to arrange the cockpit where it's comfortable for you.

Plus, if you're seeking a manual, manual + RWD is the One True Way :)
posted by a halcyon day at 10:46 PM on June 13, 2018

Response by poster: Update for anyone curious: I ended up getting a Yaris and added a cushion on the driver's seat since the seat doesn't adjust height-wise. I'm still closer to the steering wheel than I like and than what safety regulations recommend (10 inches away), but I'm having so much fun driving manual, I can't give it up now, I just started!
posted by bruschetta_cat at 11:42 PM on July 8, 2018