Car gear shift paddles: Understanding, uses and how to use them properly

Paddle shifters are an interesting and useful feature found on many cars, allowing the driver to actively control the gear shifting process without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. With the development of technology, paddle shifters have become a popular feature on many automatic, semi-automatic and sports cars. Let's learn about paddle shifters and how to use them properly with Gartz!

What is a gear shift?

The paddle shifters are electronic controls located on the steering wheel that allow the driver to change gears without taking their hands off the wheel. They consist of two small paddles: the right paddle is used to increase the gear (+) and the left paddle is used to decrease the gear (-). The paddle shifters are often integrated into automatic and semi-automatic vehicles, especially sports cars. This feature helps the driver to be more proactive in controlling the vehicle, especially in situations of going downhill, climbing hills or overtaking.

How the gear shift works

When the driver presses the (+) or (-) paddle, a signal is sent to the ECU (central control unit), and the ECU controls the automatic transmission to change gears according to the driver's request. The paddle shifters are very effective in Sport mode or Manual mode, allowing the driver to intervene in the gear change process without using the gear lever.

Benefits of using paddle shifters

Speed control when going downhill:When you are going downhill, using the shift paddles to downshift helps to take advantage of engine braking, avoid overheating the brakes and give better vehicle control.
Makes climbing easier:When climbing hills, shifting to a lower gear gives the vehicle strong traction, especially when you carry a heavy load, helping the engine maintain stable power.
Accelerate quickly when overtaking:Shifting down before overtaking allows the engine to accelerate quickly, providing flexibility and safety when overtaking other vehicles.

Fuel economy:By using the paddle shifters to keep the engine rpm at a reasonable level, you can optimize fuel usage, avoiding waste due to high engine rpm.

Emergency brake assist:If the brakes fail, shifting down can help the engine increase braking force and reduce the vehicle's speed, helping the driver control the vehicle in an emergency situation.
When going off-road:On off-road routes, using the paddle shifters helps the vehicle grip the road better, limits wheel slippage and keeps the vehicle stable.

How to use the steering wheel paddle shifters

Shift the gear lever to M or S mode:To use the paddle shifters, you need to put the gear lever in Manual (M) or Sport (S) mode. In D (Drive) mode, the car still shifts automatically.

Using the (+) and (-) levers:Press the (+) paddle to increase gear and the (-) paddle to decrease gear. The gears will be displayed on the vehicle's multi-information display.

Note to use at the right time:The paddle shifters should not be overused. You should only use them when necessary, such as when going uphill, downhill, overtaking, or to save fuel.

Important notes when using the gear shift lever

Don't use the gear shift as a game:The gearshift paddles should only be used when necessary, especially in situations requiring significant traction or braking control such as downhill, uphill or overtaking.

Avoid shifting into low gear when driving fast:Shifting too low while driving at high speeds can cause the vehicle to jerk and increase rpm, affecting the transmission and engine.

Shift to D after use:Once you no longer need to use the paddle shifters, remember to shift back to D mode for smoother automatic operation.

Practice regularly:If you are new to using the paddle shifters, practice in a safe area so you can operate them correctly and efficiently when needed.

Gartz and transmission maintenance

While Gartz does not offer paddle shifters, we do offer quality products to maintain your transmission and engine, keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Gartz transmission fluids, engine oils, and coolants help protect critical components, ensuring optimal performance and a long life for your vehicle.