Q: I don’t understand the entirety of this floormat covering-gas-pedal syndrome (that you recently wrote about) that has led to unintended acceleration. How does one even leave their driveway or the curb under this scenario? My 2011 Ford has about 4 inches from the bottom of the gas pedal to the floor mat.
A: In most cases for which specific details have been made available, the mat doesn’t really cover the gas pedal like a sheet draped over a mattress (which most of us would probably notice).
There are a few scenarios, but a common one is this: the mat inches forward under the gas pedal, and then a wrinkle-like wad forms against the bottom of the gas pedal.
The danger is especially great with all-weather mats (those very heavy, thick rubber mats) that are too big for a particular vehicle. They can slide, pinning the gas pedal and preventing the brake from depressing no matter how hard the driver presses.
Some people stack mats, another thing that increases risk.
All of this is why it’s so important to anchor the rear of the mat in place with the hook and hole that most cars/mats have; make sure you have a well-fitted mat and never stack mats.
And it’s worthwhile, when you’re driving, to glance down for a split second to make sure everything is where it should be.
These unintended acceleration episodes are extremely rare, and taking steps to always make sure mats are where they’re supposed to be will make them even more rare.
Q: Men at dinner were raving about a car the other night that has retractable door handles. This seemed like such a huge deal to them. Me? I find it silly. Is there an actual point?
A: Some would tell you that retractable handles — which Tesla and the Jaguar F-Type, for example, boast — are a huge aerodynamic boon. Every little bit helps, aerodynamically speaking, I’m sure, but I figure a couple of door handles probably don’t cause a lot of drag. Mostly it’s about a leaner, sleeker look. Door handles can look like a big, fat boil on the otherwise flawless lines of a fancy car.
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What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email [email protected].