A training car is not just a vehicle with a nameplate "U" on the roof, but a complex technical complex, on the serviceability of which the safety of future drivers and others directly depends. The central element of this system is the set duplicateThis allows the instructor to take control instantly in a critical situation. Without this device, the process of learning to drive would be impossible or would pose an unjustified risk.
The introduction of an additional control mechanism requires not only financial investments, but also a deep understanding of the design of the braking system and the drive of your car. pedal It should work in sync with the main one, without creating backlashes and delays that could disorient the student or lead to a breakdown. That is why the selection and installation of equipment are subject to the most stringent requirements, the disregard of which may cost a license to a driving school.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of equipping a vehicle for driving training. You will learn about legal regulations, types of designs, nuances of installation on different types of transmissions, as well as how to avoid common mistakes that are often made when upgrading training machines on your own.
Legal requirements and safety standards
The main document regulating the operation of vehicles for driving training in the Russian Federation are: Traffic rules (SDA) and the relevant GOSTs. According to paragraph 5.7 of the traffic rules, training vehicles must be equipped with additional clutch and brake slats. This is not a recommendation, but a prerequisite for the admission of a car to classes on public roads.
It is important to note that the installation of equipment should be carried out in such a way as not to violate the integrity of the standard safety systems of the car. Duplicate design shall not interfere with the operation of the main pedals or interfere with the driver's legs during emergency manoeuvre. Any changes in the design of the vehicle, which include the installation of duplicate mechanisms, should be reflected in the documentation of the driving school.
⚠️ Note: The use of homemade cable drives without certification or factory execution can lead to a refusal to register a car as a training vehicle and fines at the first check of the traffic police.
There are also labeling requirements. The car should be installed identification signs "U", and in the cabin - a plate indicating the name, name and patronymic of the instructor. All these elements together provide the legal status of the vehicle. Violation of any of these points can lead to serious legal consequences for the educational institution.
Types of duplicate pedals designs
The automotive equipment market offers several main types of duplicate mechanisms, each of which has its own design features. The choice of a particular type depends on the car model, the driving school budget and the desired durability of the kit. The main separation occurs by type of drive and method of attachment.
The most common and reliable option is mechanical duplicates with a hard connection. They are a metal frame that is installed on top of the regular pedal assembly, and additional pedals connected to the main ones through rigid thrusts or short cables. This system provides instantaneous force transfer, which is critical in emergency braking.
There are also more complex electronic systems that are less common in the mass segment of driving schools. They work through pressure sensors and electronic actuators, but require complex setup and connectivity to the onboard network. For most tasks, classical mechanics remains the leader without alternative due to its simplicity and maintainability.
When choosing a set, you should pay attention to the material of manufacture. Aluminum alloys lighter, but steel provides greater strength and resistance to deformation during intensive operation. Quality models often have an anti-slip coating on the pedals, which is especially true in winter, when the shoes of the instructor and student can be wet or icy.
Compatibility with transmission types
Equipment of the car with manual transmission (manual transmission) and automatic transmission (ACP) varies significantly. This is due to the physical presence or absence of the clutch pedal in the cabin. For vehicles with mechanically requires the installation of a complete set of three duplicate pedals: gas, brake and clutch.
In the case of automatic transmission, the situation is simplified, since the third pedal is missing. However, there is a nuance with the accelerator pedal. On many modern cars, the gas pedal is electronic, and mechanical pressure on it with a backup cable can be ineffective or even dangerous for the electronic throttle control unit. Therefore, for "automatics" are often used special sets that act directly on the vacuum brake amplifier or have a special mechanism for blocking the accelerator.
Below is a table showing the differences in equipment requirements:
| Parameter | ICAT (Mechanics) | Automatics (Automatic) | CVT (CVT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of pedals | 3 (gas, brake, clutch) | 2 (gas, brake) | 2 (gas, brake) |
| Difficulty of installation | Tall. | Medium | Medium |
| Risk of damage to ECU | Low. | High (for the gas pedal) | High (for the gas pedal) |
| Type of double drive | Mechanical traction/tether | Special. vacuum-worker | Special. vacuum-worker |
Particular attention should be paid to cars with electronic throttle. In these cars. direct mechanical impact on the accelerator pedal can lead to incorrect engine operation. The instructor must check in advance how the car reacts to the pressure of the extra pedal to exclude jerks or thrust dips during the lesson.
Step-by-step instructions for installing the set
Installation of duplicate pedals is a process that requires accuracy and compliance with technology. Incorrect installation can cause the pedals to jam, creak, or, worst of all, not to work at the right time. Before the start of work, it is necessary to dismantle the decorative floor linings and provide access to the pedal assembly.
The support frame of the set is first installed. It should be fixed rigidly on the floor of the body, preferably using standard fastening holes or reinforced bolts. The luft frame is unacceptable, since with a sharp braking it will have a significant effort. After fixing the frame, the pedals themselves and the connecting elements are installed.
☑️ Post-installation verification
Adjusting the cables or rods is the most important step. Tension. It should be such that the backup pedal starts working immediately after the start of its turn, but does not press the main pedal at rest. If the main pedal is pressed, this will lead to overheating of the brakes or clutch slipping during movement.
The final stage is testing. You need to press each duplicate pedal several times and make sure that the corresponding mechanism in the car reacts instantly. It should also be checked whether the new design does not block access to the regular pedals for the driver's feet and does not interfere with the review.
Maintenance and diagnostics of malfunctions
The training vehicle is subjected to extreme loads, much higher than normal operation. Constant sharp starts, emergency braking and clutch operation in the partial slip mode quickly wear out any mechanisms. Therefore diagnostics The pedals should be used daily before the shift.
First of all, the instructor or mechanic needs to visually inspect the cables for breaks in the veins and damage to the braid. Any burrow on the cable can cause the brake pedal to jam, which is a critical malfunction. Lubrication of rubbing joints is also checked - dry mechanics will quickly begin to creak and require more effort to press.
⚠️ Warning: If you notice that it takes significantly more effort than usual to press the backup pedal, stop the sessions immediately and eliminate the cause. This may indicate a grinding of the cable or jamming of the mechanism.
Periodically, at least once a month, it is recommended to conduct a full check of the geometry of the installation. From vibrations, the fastening bolts can weaken, and the frame can shift. Timely stretching of threaded connections and replacement of worn bushings will prolong the service life of an expensive set and avoid accidents on the road.
Common errors in installation and operation
One of the most common mistakes is to ignore individual adjustments for a specific instructor. The pedals must be set up so that the instructor can reach them without taking his hands off the steering wheel or taking off from the seat. If you have to stretch, the reaction will be slowed down, which is unacceptable in an emergency.
Another mistake is the use of incompatible components. Attempts to install a universal kit on a car with a specific shape of the pedal assembly often leads to the fact that the backup gas pedal rests on the mat or elements of the torpedo. This creates the illusion of serviceability, but in reality, the pedal may not be enough to fully open the throttle or effective braking.
What if the pedal is jammed?
If the backup brake pedal is stuck in the pressed state, it is necessary to stop the car immediately using the parking brake and emergency alarm. You can not try to force the pedal with your foot if the mechanism is jammed dead. Evacuation and repairs are required in the workshop. If the gas pedal is jammed, turn off the ignition (but not lock the steering wheel on the move!) and brake the engine.
Often forget about the effect of duplicate pedals on the ergonomics of the cabin. Bulky designs can prevent a student from properly putting his legs, especially if he is short. Correct landing - the key to safe driving, so when installing the kit, you need to make sure that it does not violate the geometry of the future driver's workplace.
Legal aspects of use in driving schools
The activities of the driving school are strictly licensed, and the availability of proper equipment is one of the key requirements for obtaining and renewing a license. During scheduled inspections, representatives of supervisory authorities must check the presence and operability of duplicate pedals. The lack of certificates of conformity for installed equipment may be the reason for penalties.
In the case of an accident involving a training vehicle, the technical condition of the machine is first checked. If it is proved that the accident occurred or its consequences were aggravated due to a malfunction of the duplicate pedals (for example, the instructor could not brake due to a cable break), the head of the driving school and the mechanic who released the car on the line will be responsible for this.
Keep a maintenance log of duplicate pedals. A record of your daily inspection by an instructor and monthly inspection by a mechanic will be your main proof of good faith in the event of litigation.
It is also worth remembering about insurance. Insurance companies may refuse payment if it turns out that the car was used for training without proper equipment or with defective duplicates. Therefore, saving on quality components and their maintenance is a false savings that can lead to huge losses.
Cost-effectiveness and service life
Buying a quality set of backup pedals is an investment in the safety and reputation of the driving school. Cheap analogues made of thin metal and equipped with low-quality cables fail in 3-4 months of active work. At the same time, professional kits last for years, requiring only minimal maintenance.
When calculating the cost of ownership of a training fleet, it is necessary to take into account not only the purchase price, but also the cost of downtime of the machine during repairs. If a car is out of class for a week because of a breakdown in the pedals, the driving school loses money. Therefore, choosing reliable brands and installing the right ones pay off quickly.
Quality duplicate pedals pay off due to the lack of downtime in the car repair and reduce the risk of accidents that can cost the driving school license.
In conclusion, we would like to emphasize that duplicate pedals are not just a “hardware” in the legs, but the last line of safety between the student and a potential accident. Treat their selection, installation and maintenance with the utmost care and responsibility.
Can you install duplicate pedals yourself?
Technically, you can install the kit yourself if you have the skills of locksmithing and the necessary tool. However, for legal work in the driving school installation must be made by a certified organization, which will issue the certificate of the work performed. This requirement is necessary for the inspection and inspection of the traffic police.
How often do you need to change the backup pedals?
The service life of the cables depends on the intensity of operation. On average, when working in a driving school, cables are recommended to be changed once a year or when the first signs of jamming and stratification appear. Regular lubrication can prolong their life, but it cannot completely prevent wear and tear.
Will the backup pedals be suitable for any car?
Most of the kits are universal and are regulated under different models of cars. However, some modern cars with an electronic gas pedal or a specific shape of the floor may require special adapters or customized solutions. Before buying, be sure to check compatibility with your model.
Do I need to make changes to the PTS during installation?
By itself, the installation of duplicate pedals does not require changes in the PTS, since this equipment is considered temporary and removable. However, the car must be registered in the register of training vehicles traffic police, which indicates the presence of this equipment.