How to Correctly Use the Manual Mode in the Verano?
3 Answers
When driving the Verano, you can directly shift from D gear to L gear and then adjust the gears according to your speed. The L gear in the Verano is the manual mode. Generally, the manual mode is only used when climbing steep slopes or descending steep slopes. When climbing a steep slope, engaging the manual mode provides powerful performance. When descending a steep slope, engaging the manual mode can utilize the engine's power to achieve a braking effect, eliminating the need to constantly press the brake pedal. Additionally, the manual mode can be used when overtaking. Below is an introduction to the gears of an automatic transmission car: 1. L Gear: Low gear, which limits speed. When climbing a slope, shifting to this gear maintains a high RPM and low gear state. 2. S Gear: Sport mode, where the transmission can shift freely, but the shifting timing is delayed, keeping the engine at high RPM for a longer duration, allowing the car to move at low gear and high RPM for an extended period. 3. D Gear: Drive gear, used when the car is moving forward. 4. N Gear: Neutral gear, used during brief stops. 5. P Gear: Parking gear, which must be engaged when parking to stop the car's braking and prevent rolling. 6. R Gear: Reverse gear, used when reversing. However, the R gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is completely stationary. Engaging the R gear while the car is moving slowly can cause severe damage to the transmission.
I've driven the automatic transmission version of the Verano, which has a manual mode that works quite well. After starting, shift the gear lever from D to S or M position, and the dashboard will display the current gear, such as 1 or 2. At this point, use the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel—the right side for upshifting and the left for downshifting—without needing to press the clutch. The key is choosing the right moment: when climbing a steep slope, shift to a lower gear like 2 or 3 to give the engine more power; when overtaking on the highway, quickly downshift one gear for rapid acceleration; when going downhill, shift to a lower gear to slow down and save brake pads. Remember to watch the tachometer and avoid letting the needle enter the red zone, as this can damage the engine. For normal, smooth road conditions, switching back to automatic mode is more convenient. The Verano's design is quite user-friendly, and you'll get the hang of it with a bit more practice.
As a frequent driver, I use manual mode mainly for precise acceleration control. On the Verano, after shifting to S mode, you can directly use the paddle shifters to upshift or downshift. Don't rush when upshifting—wait until the RPM reaches around 2000. Downshift before overtaking or turning to get quicker power response. When climbing steep slopes, maintain a lower gear, such as 3rd gear, for better responsiveness from the Verano. Also, avoid letting the engine rev too high for too long, as the system may automatically downshift if RPM protection kicks in. Overall, manual mode makes driving more engaging, but you'll need to get used to the dashboard changes. Safety first—don't overuse it in complex urban traffic conditions.