What is a Gas Pedal Pad and where is it Located?

The gas pedal pad, also referred to as an accelerator or throttle pedal pad, is a grooved rubber cover on the surface of your gas pedal.  It ensures that you get a good grip on the pedal. This allows you to be confident that you can accelerate the vehicle in a smooth and controlled manner. 

The gas pedal of course, controls the position of the throttle valve, which is a piece inside of a vehicle’s throttle body that regulates how much air enters the engine. It does this either directly by cable, or electronically which is known as “drive by wire”. The more you press down on the gas pedal, the more this throttle plate opens, allowing for more air to enter into the engine – which is then mixed with the right amount of fuel - and thus the vehicle moves faster. Conversely, when you slow down, your throttle plate closes and the amount of air flowing into your engine is decreased. So, long story short, making sure your gas pedal pad is in good shape is important to making sure your foot doesn’t slip off the pedal when you are trying to make your vehicle go.

How do I Know if my Gas Pedal Pad Needs to be Replaced?

The rubber that makes up the gas pedal pad can get worn down over time, especially with frequent or aggressive acceleration. The grooved surface may wear down, or the cover may become loose. Either way, your grip on the pedal and your control of the vehicle suffer. If the pedal comes off (or is removed) completely, the bare metal pedal can be extremely slippery, especially when wet. Since a slippery gas pedal poses a danger to yourself, your passengers, and other drivers, the condition of your gas pedal pad is a factor in many states’ safety inspection regimes. 

Can I Replace a Gas Pedal Cover Myself?

Replacing the gas pedal pad should be within the grasp of even the novice do-it-yourselfer. You just have to pull off the old accelerator pad (which should be easy enough if the pad is already loose) and stretch on the new one. Most pads should not require the use of any glue or fasteners to attach. If you are having trouble removing the old pad, it might help to pry it off with a flat head screwdriver. If you are having trouble stretching on the new pad, heating it with hot water may make it more pliable. 

Need a Gas Pedal Pad Replacement?

When it comes to the gas pedal pad, good, quality padding is key in avoiding having your foot slip off the pedal when trying to accelerate. So, if you are having this issue, or your pad is worn or missing, then you should seek out a clutch pedal replacement as soon as possible in order to avoid any possible mishaps a failed accelerator pedal pad may cause. Thankfully, 1A Auto carries a large selection of aftermarket gas pedal covers for many makes and models, and at great prices.

At 1A Auto, we make shopping for a gas pedal pad replacement for your car, truck, SUV or van easy - we're here to help you select the right part for your vehicle! Call our customer service toll free at 888-844-3393 if you have any questions about our gas pedal covers, warranty, compatibility or to purchase, or you can buy online.