How To Use Paddle Shifters

Many drivers around know that active shifting can make their drives in Central IL a lot more enjoyable. As a result, steering wheel paddle shifters and the topic of paddle shifters vs. manual has come up on the minds of multiple drivers. If you want to experience this for yourself, you might be wondering, “What do paddle shifters do?” These components allow you to control your vehicle’s gear shifts on the roads around Central IL. If you want to know how to use shifting paddles, read on below to learn more!

What do Paddle Shifters do?

Before delving into how to use shifting paddles, you might be wondering how they function. If you’re a fan of sporty vehicles with their performance-based trims, then the debate about paddle shifters vs. manual is more interesting. Why use paddle shifters? Allowing you to exercise more manual control over your transmission, these steering wheel paddle shifters are great for the driver who needs something in reach.

Having a lot more fun on and roads isn’t the only reason to consider upgrading to paddle shifters. Precise upshifting anddownshifting can help keep your engine in great shape.

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How to Use Paddle Shifters

For those whose vehicle is equipped with both paddle shifters and an automatic transmission, enter manual mode every time you plan on using these components. One paddle, usually on the right, will bring you to the next gear. The other will bring you down a gear.

Drivers who aren’t quite familiar with manual transmissions and using paddle shifters might worry about causing damage to their vehicle. Remember that paddle shifters have been built to stop you from wreaking havoc on your vehicle’s gearbox. Learning how to use shifting paddles is actually pretty straightforward. These features have been built to prevent dangerous shifts with respect to each of the following:

• You’ll stay in the same gear if you try to upshift before the engine reaches the next gear’s lower limit.
• You’ll also stay in the same gear if you try to downshift before reaching the lower gear’s upper limit.
• If you press one paddle while the other is being held down, you’ll maintain your current gear. The same applies if you press both paddles at the same time.

As your vehicle has an automatic transmission, you can always take a break by switching back to “D” mode with your shifter. Your vehicle will probably also have a separate low gear for especially strenuous driving situations.

How to Use Paddle Shifters While Driving

Wondering when you’ll be using paddle shifters? It’s actually a difficult question to answer. Much in the same manner as a manual transmission, you’ll need to understand how your particular make and model works. When to use paddle shifters depends on several factors, such as road conditions, traffic density, and even the weather. However, there is a general rule of thumb for beginners. When driving paddle shifters, look to shift when the rev counter needle falls between 1,500 and 2,500 RPM.

Try Out Paddle Shifters For Yourself in Central IL!

Now that you have a sense of how to use shifting paddles, stop into your local Sam Leman Automotive Group dealership and take your favorite new vehicle for a test drive! Not sure if the vehicle you’re considering offers paddle shifters? Contact us today to get the information you need!

If you’re interested in enjoying superior performance on the roads near you, you’ll also want to find out when to replace spark plugs, and learn the difference between premium and regular gas! Curious about the other features you’ll find in a new model? Compare sunroofs vs. moonroofs with our team today!