Do You Need to Lift Off the Throttle When Using Paddle Shifters?
2 Answers
Using paddle shifters does not require lifting off the throttle. Below is relevant information about paddle shifting: 1. Equipping a family car with paddle shifters essentially adds a manual mode to the automatic transmission, allowing gear changes without taking hands off the steering wheel. 2. This makes driving operations smoother and quicker while adding a certain level of driving enjoyment. 3. Therefore, there's no need to hesitate when shifting gears—you can use the paddle shifters even while pressing the accelerator. 4. Paddle shifters are typically located behind the steering wheel at approximately the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, with one on each side. Common configurations use the left paddle for downshifting and the right for upshifting, though some models don't differentiate sides and use simultaneous pulling or pressing of both paddles. 5. To operate paddle shifters, the driver simply needs to shift the gear lever to D, S, or manual mode. When the engine reaches the appropriate RPM, the suitable gear can be selected via the paddle shifters.
I remember when I first started using paddle shifters, I was always worried about improper operation. I tried shifting without lifting the throttle at all, and the result was noticeable jerking and uneven acceleration. Later, I learned that lightly easing off the throttle before shifting helps—for example, reducing the RPM to around 3000. This avoids transmission shock and protects component longevity. The system will automatically match the RPM, but manual coordination makes shifts smoother, especially during frequent gear changes in city driving. After developing this habit, the driving experience improved significantly, with less noise and potentially more stable fuel consumption. Long-term neglect of the throttle-lifting action may affect engine responsiveness and even shorten component lifespan. It's recommended to make a slight throttle adjustment before each paddle shift to find your comfort zone.