How to Use the Paddle Shifters Under the Steering Wheel?
2 Answers
How to use the paddle shifters under the steering wheel: The M mode is the manual mode of the car's automatic transmission. After switching to manual mode, the driver can control the transmission to upshift or downshift using the gear lever, or they can use the paddle shifters to control the transmission's upshifts and downshifts. Paddle shifters allow the driver to keep their hands on the steering wheel while shifting, enabling more focused driving and significantly reducing shift times. Paddle shifters were originally a feature in racing cars, designed to improve a driver's performance, and later they were adopted in civilian vehicles.
In my driving experience, the paddle shifters under the steering wheel are simple and exhilarating to operate. Pressing the left paddle down shifts to a lower gear, increasing engine RPM for quicker acceleration—especially useful during overtaking or climbing hills. Pushing the right paddle up shifts to a higher gear, reducing RPM for better fuel efficiency, ideal for highway cruising. After starting the car, ensure you're in manual or sport mode (e.g., D/S position), and a light tap on the paddlets—without taking hands off the wheel—triggers instant gear shifts, making overtaking effortless. But don’t overdo it; avoid holding RPM in the red zone too long to prevent engine overheating. Downhill, downshifting more for engine braking reduces brake wear, enhancing safety and prolonging component life. Overall, using paddles gives you more control and heightens driving engagement.
