Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch!

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Sun 14 Sep 2014 22:43
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - SeaShell

Not sure which forum to post this on, so I'll post it in both.

I am 5 ft. (152cm) tall and have to drive a Toyota Avensis. Unfortunately, even with the seat as far forward as I can get it, I cannot work the clutch properly. Is it possible to move the seat further forward? Any other suggestions?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 14 Sep 2014 22:57
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - gordonbennet

If its only the clutch pedal (other pedals and steering wheel ok) you might be able to get your mechanic to adjust the pedal up, if thats not possible then he could remove the pedal and cut/reshape/weld the pedal to suit, then refit so it sits a bit higher.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 14 Sep 2014 23:28
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - Alby Back
A lady I know who also finds some car pedals a bit of a stretch keeps an old pair of platform sandals in the car to drive in. Not perhaps ideal, but a quick, easy and transferable solution.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 14 Sep 2014 23:38
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - Bromptonaut

I suspect is short legs rather than height as such that is problem.

My OH has similar issue in various conventional saloons/estates where, by time she can reach pedals, her boobs/tum are at risk if airbag goes off.

Wooden block on the clutch pedal used to be a solution for petite women..

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 14 Sep 2014 23:47
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - focussed

You can buy proper pedal extensions here:-

www.d-ss.co.uk/motability/151-pedal-pal-pedal-exte...l

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 15 Sep 2014 09:29
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - Manatee
OP implies that it is not his or her car so modification might be out. A cushion against the backrest might be a better option than platform shoes.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 15 Sep 2014 10:41
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - Bromptonaut
OP implies that it is not his or her car so modification might be out. A cushion against the backrest might be a better option than platform shoes.

If it's a work car inability to operate the controls is an H&S issue which the employer should be adressing.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 15 Sep 2014 10:53
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - Ordovices

If it's a work car inability to operate the controls is an H&S issue which the employer should be adressing

Care should be taken here. The employers way of addressing this may be to get rid of the person who is "unsuitable" for the job.

This is, of course, if it is a company vehicle, and other factors such as duration of employment, employment status, etc.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 15 Sep 2014 14:12
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - SeaShell

No, it isn't my car, neither is it really a company car. I'm an au pair, and this is the car that my employers have for me to drive.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 15 Sep 2014 15:02
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - Manatee

Perhaps if you are expected to cart their children about in it too, they might think it is a good idea to change it for a car you can drive safely, if you ask them nicely?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 16 Sep 2014 00:28
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - Avant

If they are reasonable people who are about their children's safety, they should at least be willing to pay for the pedal extensions kindly suggested above by Focussed.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 16 Sep 2014 10:31
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - catsdad
The Avensis has height adjustment as well as forward and back. I realise that with short height the poster may need it set fairly high but there may be a better compromise setting to meet the different requirements? Worth a try.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 17 Sep 2014 13:46
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - SeaShell

Think that a cushion is going to work. Triedn a rolled up pillow and it seemed to do the job. Will get something maybe a little harder and the right size, so that I don't have to worry about sinking back into it or it coming unrolled.

Thanks for everyones' help and all the advice!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sat 20 Sep 2014 22:03
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - PBB

The advice from focussed regarding pedal extensions should be taken notice of.

A rolled up cushion is a poor solution. It is temporary, and likely to compress or dislodge easily leaving you with no proper control, and as others have said you will be far to close to the airbag in the event that it deploys.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 22 Sep 2014 00:23
Toyota Avensis - Too short for clutch! - brum

Wear platform shoes.

Might make you look more attractive too!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link