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Driving a motorized vehicle in the modern world commands the utmost attention. Even though we often take driving for granted, it is actually a perilous activity. Ever changing road conditions. Never ending obstacles. Attention grabbing electronic devices. Traffic! With all the action unfolding before your eyes and in your hands, it's easy to forget the constant fancy footwork going on out of sight, under the dash.

Fancy Footwork
Gas and brake. Clutch then gas and brake. Gas on. Gas off. And so on. Whether you have one of the newer drive-by-wire automobile systems, or plain old levers and linkages connecting the various foot pedal controls of the automobile, the end result is the same. The clutch, brake, and gas pedal see more action than the steps at Chicago's Grand Central Station.

Slippery Slope
The levers connected to the foot pedals are usually made out of good old steel or some other space age composite materials. Since bare steel is super smooth and potentially slippery, the foot pedals are covered up with the equivalent of a heavy-duty set of boot soles turned toward you. Just like an old pair of boots that have seen a few presidents come and go, these rubber or plastic pedal covers can become worn, smooth or cracked.

Cheap and Easy
As anyone who has taken a spill on some icy steps due to treadless boots can attest, worn treads can lead to mishaps. A split second lost due to a foot slipping off a brake pedal can add up to hundreds of feet in lost braking. Fortunately, replacing pedal covers is easy—and inexpensive. An hour of time along with a few bucks can add up to improved safety and control along with a fresh look under the dash.


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Photo Guide

This brake pedal cover had already broken and fallen off. New pedal covers are inexpensive and easy to install.

A look at the back of the pedal cover shows how it stays put on the steel pedal. Do not use glue.

Remove the old pedal cover by simply prying it from the back of the pedal.

To install the new covers, start with one corner of the pedal cover and continue around until the cover is in place.


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