Hi

I know it's a strange subject, but please read on. I was driving my Stilo last night, and for some strange reason decided to brake with my left foot (dont ask me why). I've never been that impressed with my Stilo's brakes; compared to other Stilo's they never seem as good.

Anyway, I pushed the brake pedal donw with my left foot and OH MY GOD, what a fantastic improvement! The brakes are razor sharp, 200% better than when you brake with your right leg. I've had my mum and dad check this and it's the same for them.

Any ideas?

Stilo 1.6 Dynamic, 5dr, 2002, Crystal Green

sounds a bit dangerous too me

uno 1.0ie RAAAWW!

It's not surprising at all. The same would happen to any single human being on this planet. All of us had plenty of time to "tune" our movements and reactions while driving and to turn them into mechanical actions. In that case this means that your right leg (or to be exact your brain) has adapted its movements and you only apply the necessary force to the pedal. When you brake with your left foot you press the pedal much harder, even though you don't realize it, and that's why you slow down much faster (but the deceleration is much jerkier as well). If one will drive for some time using the left foot to brake, then an adaptation will occur and slowing down will feel the same no matter which foot is used.

Grigoris

3-Door Black Stilo 1.8 Dynamic, 17" Alloys, Dual Zone Climate Control, Spoiler

this is what racing drivers do so the can be on the brake pedal and accelerator at the same time

A Dog Is Not Just For Christmas
Sliced Thinly It Can Last Till Easter

Usefull when cornering...the brakes on the rear lock up but the fronts dont as the engine is turning those wheels. This is how to provoke oversteer on a front wheel drive car...like I say, usefull on corners or roundabouts.

1.8 5 Door in Sassi Grey
Comfort Pack 1

Oh god, wannabe Schumachers on the public road, watch out!!

You'll be needing double NOS, changing gear 8 times and topping out at 140mph next.....

Oh and what gfotopou said. However, road cars and normal footwear is not really appropriate for this technique, it's not necessary for the road and if you need to dip the clutch your looking at a double foot movement and longer delay. Accident waiting to happen I reckon.

1.6 3dr Dynamic in Azzuro Sprint. Standard apart from mats, sill kick plates and rear spoiler.

if you have a cluch and brake with left foot, what happens if you suddenly need to stop, your feet will get all confused.

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The reason your brakes feel better is 'cos your braking much harder with the left leg! Try slamming the brakes on with your right leg, you'll find the Stilo stops fine!

53 plate, Stilo 3-door, Sassy grey, Alloys to follow, 1.2 Active, 5-Disc CD-Changer -- 45mpg!

Left foot braking is an accepted method for those who know how to do it properly. It is not dangerous unless used by someone who hasnt got the skill or the knowledge. I would not condone its use unless you know what your doing.

By the way it wouldnt help Schumacher......his car is rear wheel drive!!!!! [8D][8D][8D]
Here a slightly different technique is required. If used the way I said in my previous post he would just understeer straight off the road. What you have to learn is to balance throttle and brake, but not apply the two at the same time.
Still this isnt a lesson in driving skills, just be careful if you try any of these skills... they are best learnt on the racing track.

1.8 5 Door in Sassi Grey
Comfort Pack 1

Had a quick read of this.

I agree that there is always a time and a place to learn new driving techniques and skills - left foot braking being one of them.

I sometimes resort to heel and toe downshifts, depends what I am up against at the time.
Also, left foot braking is recommended if you drive an automatic [which I don't on a regular or any basis].

Fiat Ulysse 2.2JTD Eleganza, 53 plate, with options Angel Tuning [see ad] tuned