Between the driver and the car, every simulated racing rig has three points: wheel, pedals and seat. However, many will say that it’s the pedals that have the biggest impact on the driving experience and its consistency. But why?

The ability to know what the car will do each time you brake, can only be achieved with high quality pedals, such as Heusinkveld Sim Pedals, which give you a more precise and consistent pedal feel. As well as helping to improve the performance of the brakes and tyre wear, the right pedals also help drivers better control pitching and instability, for a more controlled car feel overall. 

So, with it being clear that pedals can give a driver the opportunity to get the most out of their car and overall racing experience, we should look at them in a little more detail:

What are Sim Racing pedals?

Allowing you to have complete control over the brakes, throttle and clutch, pedals are at the heart of every simulated racing rig, and give you the precision necessary for superior car control when racing. 

Available in several forms, such as potentiometer, load cell and hydraulic, here’s a closer look at each:

• Potentiometer

In this budget-friendly option, the pedals relay information to the simulated racing game by means of a potentiometer, which gives you the weakest and least accurate feel of all the pedal types.

• Load cells

Affordable and yet still allowing for precision at a higher level, load cell pedals are arguably the best choice for consumers. 

• Hydraulic

Much more expensive and a lot less common, hydraulic pedals afford drivers the very highest levels of accuracy, comparable, in fact, to those found in professional racing cars. 

If I upgrade my pedals, will it make a difference?

The simple answer is: yes, better pedals will likely give you a better performance and an enhanced racing experience. Take load cell technology for example; with a higher resistance, it perfectly mimics the type of brake pedal found in a real racing car. Locking up the brakes is a more frequent occurrence on a sim car that doesn’t have load cell pedals, due to a lack of precision. Hydraulic pedals have the same effect, but the precision and accuracy also extends to the clutch and throttle. 

Should I invest in Sim Racing pedals?

Since pedals are so integral to the Sim Racing experience, buying a decent set is always going to give you an enhanced driving experience, and it’s always worth considering used pedals if your budget is restricted. But what should you look out for when buying Sim racing pedals, especially used ones:

• Their age
• Whether they’re still under warranty
• Whether they have bad reviews
• Whether they can be modified or upgraded

You may also want to think about the pedals options for mounting, or whether the force of the load cell is going to be strong for your particular rig. 

When it comes to sim racing pedals, because they can enhance your performance and give you a more authentic driving experience, they always make for a sound investment. But, research is key when buying any accessories for your Sim Racing rig, whether new or used. Fortunately, you can usually find plenty of good advice and support either from online sellers, on online review sites, or from other Sim Racing enthusiasts.

If you are considering the advantages of heat pumps, there are a number to pick from. A heat pump moves hot air from one place to another in your home and is a cost-effective alternative to other heating systems. Sustainability is a core focus, and this suits the more eco-friendly lifestyles. If you are considering heat pumps as an option in your house, but are still on the fence as to how and why, then this guide is for you. 

Heat Pumps are Budget Friendly and Cost-Efficient

The great thing about heat pumps is that they work with your budget. Aside from the setup costs, there is little maintenance and upkeep to factor in, and they help save money on essential energy bills over the course of a year. There will be running costs as well, but these are relatively low compared to the output. Heat pumps will have an instant impact on your outgoings. 

They are Super Safe

Heat pumps rarely use gas, if ever, and are more likely to be powered by electricity. Electricity, though a fire risk, is still considered safer in a big way when compared to gas-powered heat sources. Having safe appliances in your home is a number one priority, understandably. So, anything that supports that is welcome!

Sustainability Benefits

Not only are heat pumps well known for their efficiency in heating a house, but they are also efficient generally in how they operate. The sustainability benefits are one of the major appeals, and they will add to the eco-positive value of your home if installed correctly and maintained properly too. 

Durability Factors

These assets are extremely durable. They are built to last, and do, in fact, outlive most other household appliances like kettles, dishwashers, and even drying machines. This means you won’t have to replace it every six months, and if you keep up with the maintenance checks, it will work to reduce your bills and heat your home for at least a decade. At this point, it will begin to decline in efficiency and may need replacing completely. This is still a decent time to get out of an appliance. 

How to Counteract the Disadvantages

Of course, there will always be disadvantages to consider as well. Thankfully, there is only one major drawback to heat pumps and this can be mitigated as well. 

Initial Setup Cost: Think Ahead

The initial setup cost will be a high number. The figure starts at around £7,000 for reliable systems but can reach anywhere up to £40,000 at the top-end of the product ranges. It’s not just the system that you’re paying for, after all; it is the installation and time as well. However, if you decide that this is a must-have asset for your property, you can plan for the installation in much the same way that you would for any extension that would improve where you live. 

Heat pumps are durable, sustainable, and can save you a lot of money in the long term at your property. They are worth the consideration and could be a valuable asset over time.