Upgrading Your Vehicle’s Gas and Brake Pedals

DIY, Guides  /   /  By Gary Lieber

Whether you’re conducting a complete restoration project or just wanting to add some pizzazz to your vehicle’s interior, a gas and brake pedal upgrade can make a big difference. eBay offers a wide variety of gas and brake pedals  for all cars and trucks. Start by getting an understanding of the basics. (Also check out: 10 Gas Pedals You Won’t Believe.)

Replacement Pedals

A complete set of replacement pedals with linkages for a manual transmission car.If you’re hoping to keep things simple, consider using the manufacturer’s parts that match the pedals that came with your ride.  For the gas pedal, these parts usually include not only the pedal and its cover, but also the linkage. Many replacement pedals are upgraded with steel parts that replace the plastic parts common in the 1970s and 1980s (which were prone to breaking or bending over time). Newer vehicles use drive-by-wire gas pedals and are available either as new or recycled parts.

For clutch and brake pedals, the rubber covers can wear over time and become slippery. New brake pedals with non-skid rubber faces can make all the difference when making a panic stop or speed shifting. The pedal covers are designed to manufactuers’ specifications and are easy to install. Just slip them over the original pedal. Converting from an automatic to a manual transmission calls for a gas and brake pedal conversion kit with linkage (that includes a clutch pedal, of course).

Gas and brake pedal covers are easy to install.

Custom and Billet Pedals

These pedals are designed to enhance both the looks and the safety of your vehicle. They come in a wide variety of finishes and textures, and are also easy to install. Custom-fit pedals are available to replace the original rubber pedal covers. Universal models can fit any car and budget. Many of them simply slide onto the existing pedals. Others are attached with screws or brackets over the original pedal assembly. Some custom pedals even are equipped with LED lighting to accent the driver’s footwell. Billet pedals are extremely strong and are machined from a solid piece of aluminum—and they look great.

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Mobility Pedals and Extenders

Sometimes a vehicle is too big or high to be safely driven by everybody.  Engineers design airbags in today’s vehicles to protect an average male, who is about 5’8” tall and weighs 185 pounds.  Shorter and smaller adults are especially vulnerable to airbag injuries when seated too close to the airbag (in the steering wheel). Pedal extenders bolt to a vehicles existing pedals. They can be adjusted closer to the driver while maintaining a proper distance from the driver’s airbag.

Some gas and brake pedal extenders can be moved from vehicle to vehicle.

Mobility pedals are designed for physically challenged people who may not be able to control a vehicle by use of traditional foot pedals. There are many solutions available to replace foot pedals. These include hand controls, right to left gas pedal conversions, as well as pedal extenders. Portable mobility-focused gas and brake pedal upgrades can easily be moved from vehicle to vehicle.

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See Car & Truck Pedals & Pads for sale on eBay.

About the Author

Gary Lieber is a regular contributor to the eBay Motors Blog, Clean Fleet Reports, and MyRideIsMe.com. His Porsche 911 is a multiple Concours winner including Top 911 at Porsche Parade in 2005 and 2015. His Volkswagen GTI has been tricked out with engine management upgrades and style enhancements not commonly available on this side of the pond.