Check the gas pedal (8)
I believe the answer is:
throttle
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'check' is the first definition.
(synonyms)
'the gas pedal' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
(Other definitions for throttle that I've seen before include "Valve regulating volume of fuel and air" , "Strangle; regulator valve" , "Strangle; control (an engine)" , "Strangle with car part" , "Accelerator - choke" .)