How to Use the CR-V Paddle Shifters?
2 Answers
More commonly, the paddle shifters are located on the left and right sides of the steering wheel's inner arc, with both paddles serving the same function. For most mid-to-high-end cars, when using the paddle shifters, you should first place the gear lever into manual mode, usually controlled by a button on the vehicle. When you downshift continuously with the left paddle, the engine RPM will rise sharply, providing sufficient power to quickly overtake slower vehicles ahead.
Using the CR-V's paddle shifters is quite intuitive. When driving, with the gear in D or S mode, there are paddle shifters behind the steering wheel—left for downshifting and right for upshifting. Pulling the left paddle downshifts for more aggressive acceleration, ideal for overtaking, while the right paddle upshifts for fuel efficiency and steady speed. After years of driving this model, I've found that downshifting assists with braking on mountain roads or slopes. Occasionally switching to manual mode in city commuting can be fun, but avoid getting addicted to high RPMs. Remember, the CR-V's automatic transmission has a protective feature: it intervenes when RPM exceeds limits to prevent engine overheating. For daily driving, rely mainly on automatic mode, using the paddles as supplementary tools. Regular maintenance and checking transmission fluid can extend its lifespan.
