How to Use Paddle Shifters

[@qalih]

Clearest video hands down on the topic

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks!

[@severinkonan4781]

I recently bought my first BMW for the fun, but I haven’t been able to use the paddle shifters until I watched your video. This is the most well explained video on paddle shifters I watched so far. And trust me I have watched quite a few. Thank you man

[@CarsWithSteve]

You're welcome! What's the spec you have for your BMW?

[@allenashkar3748]

Good point you made that even in manual mode, the transmission still shifts on its own to safer positions in order to protect itself.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Nice to know people are paying attention ;)

[@mobilelegendsaccount3275]

No problems with the red line like in manual transmissions. Thanks for trying it out and teaching it to us. ​@@CarsWithSteve

[@JohnSmith-y8v]

Ha, after several years of watching lots of stuff on YT, your channel is the first channel I've subscribed to. Just now. Your content is quite good, and varied, and explained thoughtfully, and just what I need to know as I've just bought my first Jeep, a 2024 Rubicon 392 and I have a lot to learn. Thank you.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Wow.. I appreciate the support and you're welcome! Always great to hear when people enjoy the content and variety I put out. How are you liking the new Jeep so far?

[@JohnSmith-y8v]

@@CarsWithSteve I've hardly driven it! I've had it only 3 weeks but kept it garaged until my appointment to have it PPF'd and clear-coated which should be finished tomorrow. But, it sure is exciting when I'm in it! I've had my existing car for 40 years and it precedes all of this Uconnect and other modern computer stuff but thankfully I saw your video focusing on Uconnect5 to lessen my intimidation over it. While I might have your attention here, I cannot find any decent explanation of my Jeep's so-called "Vehicle Security System". The Owner's Manual only says how to arm and disarm it but does not make clear all that it watches out for or what its triggers are. It only refers vaguely to say "if something triggers the alarm...". I'd like to really understand its boundaries. Is that worth its own video or can you refer me to a better explanation than my manual, maybe someplace that provides an intuitively thoughtful explanation like you do? Thank you.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Great call on the ppf and clear coat! Wow... bit of an upgrade from a 40 year old car. What was the one that you upgraded from? Funny I've never explained the security system because no one has asked! It's like most vehicles.. audible alarm and interior lock switches are disabled when the alarm is triggered from attempted entry into the vehicle. If you have the phone app connected it can push a notification as well. One thing that I covered off in my uConnect video for security was valet mode which will disable user profiles so saved addresses, contacts etc can't be accessed. I'll see if I can piece more content/ideas together for a video on security!

[@JohnSmith-y8v]

@thSteve Wow, Steve, that would be fantastic if you were able to scrabble together a video on security. Perhaps you could feature a late model Wrangler so I would not have to extrapolate too much from a video on, say, a Hellcat or some other brand that might do things a bit differently, hint hint. LOL. Hopefully, you can explain in the video what types of "attempted entry" would trigger the factory alarm. Breaking a window? Picking the keylock? Or just a door opening without the fob present? I have learned that, beyond the alarm itself, part of security can involve disabling the Passive Entry System and using only the fob lock/unlock buttons, or, I think I read, making it so you can only use the metal key on your fob for the door although I have yet to stumble upon that particular idea in the manual. I have bought a Mobilistics fob-controlled Start Relay which I have yet to install, although that is an after-factory item. I would be happy to just understand the OEM security system, also so that I don't ignorantly go out and buy duplicate after-factory protection, assuming that's possible. I still have my other car, a 1984 Camaro Berlinetta (305ci V8) which I bought new at that time. I was told that it and the 1984 Corvette Stingray were the first to have a digital dashboard, if that's really true for the Stingray. It did make people think of a spaceship when lit up at night. 127,000 original miles.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Going to take a bit to research all the options but I'll add it to the list of videos to put together. Featuring some aftermarket options could be a good one as well! The 84 Camaro is a great ride, my cousin has a 92 Z28 and loves it. Wild that you've had it since new. How has it been holding up over the years?

[@Corr9ctions]

Finally a perfect explanation and test run. Doing this felt more natural in my Audi A4 07 but now im in a 2018 Acura TLX and I don’t think the car and I get along too well yet. Going to also reset transmission learned driving patterns of past owners and try again. I’ll tinker and get back to ya.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks! How are you liking the TLX drive and handling compared to the old Audi?

[@prilep5]

I bought Mercedes Sprinter and never drove with paddle shifters until now after watching your video great explanation. Not being funny or cool just pure instructions thank you

[@CarsWithSteve]

You're welcome!

[@lakennnnnn]

thank u for this!!! i finally have the chance to try out paddles and honestly didnt know much about them until this video

[@CarsWithSteve]

You're welcome! What car do you have?

[@explorerfl007]

Thanks for the video. Got a new car that has paddle shifters and didn’t know how to use it until now.

[@lakennnnnn]

@@CarsWithSteve it's a 2023 jeep grand cherokee

[@BlueArdyn]

This is an amazing well explained video, helped me really gain a better understanding of manual mode in my vehicle.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thank you! What car are you driving?

[@kpv123]

Very well done. I've watched a bunch of videos and this is the best so far. My main question was about downshifting, and it was great to find out that the car will do it automatically if you don't

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks! What car are you driving?

[@joseleger2547]

Probably the best video explaining this

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks Jose!

[@littlebird2037]

Great, clear, information. I drove a manual Miata for many years (I miss it). The reason I chose the QX70S was for the paddle shifters. I wanted to be able to drop a gear to get around slow traffic. The question I cant seem to find the answer to is: is there a way to drop a gear while in drive mode without having to put the car in manual mode first? This is the scenario I think would happen most often. I believe I can use my gear shift to drop down a gear after moving it over to manual mode instead of using the paddles, which seems like it may be quicker but still requires switching from drive to manual mode. Hope that makes sense.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Most cars will let you downshift without going into a manual mode and you'll have to exit manual mode by pressing and holding the right paddle for a few seconds. I haven't started reviewing Infiniti cars yet but will be in a QX60 in a few weeks. I'll make sure to put together a video on the shifters to see if the process is any different

[@littlebird2037]

Thank you! I'll keep an eye out for it 👍

[@MrAttyjones]

Nice video. Whenever I get a rental I’m always stuck with an automatic. Coming from a stick I like to shift gears but being as I learned to drive before paddle shifters, I never got much experience with them. Always good to get a few pointers and make sure I’m not messing up the car, even a rental. Although I believe the top gear guys said rentals were indestructible or something to that effect.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Haha, indestructible rentals, so true that's how some people treat them! I always have one car in the driveway that's a manual transmission so having paddles or a hand shifter manual mode is always a plus. What's the best rental you've had so far?

[@mazuzuri]

Great and simple explanation of paddle shifters. Very easy to follow, just signed the purchase agreement on a new skoda scala 1.0 tsi 115hp engine with automatic transmission and i have never owned or driven a car with paddle shifts and wanted to know how they work. For al my Basic questions answered here.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks! Neat that these videos find people across the pond. I have to find my way out to EU at some point to start reviewing cars that we can't get in North America. How are you liking the Skoda?

[@mazuzuri]

@@CarsWithSteve i have so far only driven the show model at the dealer, there is a 2-3 month delivery time on my car. But from what i tried it was a decent family car with good space for whatever need you may have. But at the same time it is also decentralt fun to drive and very comfortable.

[@CarsWithSteve]

2-3 months isn't too bad.. at least you're getting exactly what you want!

[@mazuzuri]

@@CarsWithSteve that is true, it is my first time buying a car from New rather than second hand, so i am rather excited. But i doubt it will exceed the pre jovial joy of my first car. An old Suzuki Swift mk. 2 from 1999.

[@CarsWithSteve]

I'm the same way.. I usually always buy 3-5 years old depending on the deal I can get. Enjoy the new ride when you end up getting it!

[@bammbamm7947]

Great video 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks!

[@robertwiley8458]

I always wondered what my paddle shifters were for because I never really had to need for it since I drive an automatic mode or sport mode or economy mode all the time I never had a reason to use a paddle shifter I got to give it a shot sometime

[@CarsWithSteve]

If you've got them, once you get the hang of how they work you'll have a blast. What car are you driving?

[@robertwiley8458]

@CarsWithSteve 21 Honda Accord Sport SE

[@CarsWithSteve]

Nice! I was in my first Accord ever a few months back. Have fun!

[@eliamaraguero3185]

Tx a lot, very good explanation. I took long time before to find such video. Bravo.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thank you!

[@damirfenrich5439]

Well explained and easy..man!

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks!

[@mino770]

Very amazing explanation keep it up

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks Mino!

[@nehemiah317]

Great content! Exactly the video I needed 🙏🏾🔥

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks Nehemiah!

[@yllojyelhsa]

This was THE best explanation

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thank you!

[@eddiemerribaker]

Good job.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thank you!

[@nicksona877]

Well explained 👏

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks you!

[@bobp5356]

Great video. If you are manual shifting and get to say, 50 mph, and you are in 4th gear and you stay there, will the car automatically go to the top transmission gear? 10th? thanks

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks! If you're revving too high it'll automatically bump you to the appropriate gear... so in your case in 4th if you push it too much then it'll probably push you to 6 or 7 at that speed

[@damirfenrich5439]

Once in my Honda accord at cca 50 mph i was shiftin down and he put in 1 gear? I know that motor automaticlu shut down to avoid damage but how was that happen? Maybe i press the shifter too long or? Thanks for answer

[@eduardodiaz1895]

Thank you so muchhhhhhhh

[@CarsWithSteve]

You're welcome!

[@ponycamaro2025]

I recently acquired a Factory new 2024 Camaro 2SS automatic. Until your video- I was very confused about the concept of paddle shifting . Your video was a very helpful tutorial explaining how to use the cars paddle shifters. However I still have one question to clear up and that’s: does the car have to be in in Manual mode before the paddle shifters can be engaged? Or can I use the paddle shifters in both the manual or the Auto Modes? Sorry 😢 if this seems like a “Hair Brain” question.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Glad the video helped you understand the paddle shifters a bit more! How are you liking the Camaro so far? For most cars you won't need to be in manual mode to use paddle shifters. When you drop gears it'll do it but you may have to press and hold the "+" paddle for a few seconds to move back into the regular drive mode

[@jaboroyalty766]

great video! thanks dude!

[@CarsWithSteve]

You're welcome!

[@madrimious6830]

Ah!! I actually didnt know there could be manual mode in an automatic car. I was driving in my aunt's lexus nx and i kept chsnging gears with paddle shifters but nothing really happened, probably because i was already going at a high speed equal to like 5 or 6th gear if that makes sense lol. Helpful video for next time!!

[@CarsWithSteve]

Manual mode is a blast in automatics! Where it really comes into play is if you drop a gear or two to gain that boost in RPMs for faster speed up to pass grandma on the highway lol but have some fun with it next time you're in one!

[@madrimious6830]

@CarsWithSteve definitely checking that next time. Thank u again!

[@CarsWithSteve]

anytime!

[@matheusg1337]

Hey congratulations for the tutorial man ! One question, will downshifting the car, so I can accelerate faster, for example when overtaking, force the cars engine ? I understand that the higher the rpm the more you use the engine. With manual cars, you need to match the rev when downshifting, so I wonder if downshifting with the peddle shifter will force the car or just speed up too much the degradation of the parts. I see that you often ask, as part of your answer, the car model, in my case it’s a XE jaguar, I live in Brazil, not sure if my car is available in the US; it’s a 250hp sedan. Cheers mate thank for your time !

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks Matheus! When you downshift in an auto you'll definitely see the RPMs spike but there's no need to try and rev match the same way in an AT you would in a MT. For the most part.. as long as you aren't constantly redlining it, the engine will be safe! We only get the XF and F-Type in North America but the XF isn't too far off from your XE

[@matheusg1337]

@@CarsWithSteve thanks a lot !

[@bobdroidsky225]

My Ford Escort Ecoboost has a turbo. A thing to consider is that any turbo needs to spool up to give you maximum power, or else you may find yourself in a "turbo lag".

[@CarsWithSteve]

I haven't found the lag to be too bad with most modern turbocharged engines but that is definitely something to keep in mind

[@hendrikuspostma]

I drive a Honda HRV Turbo RS and it appears that the ECO mode operates under the assumption that you won't utilize the Turbo at all. In Normal mode, only a slight increase in RPM is needed to engage the Turbo, resulting in minimal lag. Switching to Sport mode transforms the car into a highly responsive, even nervous machine, with instant access to the Turbo since the RPM consistently remains above its activation threshold.

[@bobdroidsky225]

@@hendrikuspostma I always drive in Sport mode, and it feels like you control the space-time continuum. Shifting with steering wheel paddles. But you have to time it right or it will be sagging/lounging. (Ford Escape Titanium EcoBoost).

[@RahulSingh-wc7ey]

Hi Steve, i have a couple of questions i would appreciate if you could answer them. 1) Lets say we are in 6th gear and we start to decelerate are we supposed to go down in gears incrementally? Or can we just hold down - paddle shifter and skip to 1st gear? 2) Also, is there a certain RPM we need to downshift at? When my car is in automatic mode i notice that when downshifting incrementally from gear 8 to 7 to 6 to 5 to 4 to 3 and to 2nd it usually downshifts around 2k rpm and when shifting from 2nd to 1st it shifts right under 1k rpm. Does it matter at which RPM you are downshifting when slowing down vs speeding up/trying to pass someone? 3) ive heard someone say if your going really fast like 80-100 mph you shouldnt drop below 3rd gear when your downshifting is this true? Whats the rule for that if there is any? Lets say im going fast and want extra torque am i not allowed to drop from 6th to lets say 3rd or 2nd gear? Also, when your downshifting in this scenario do you need to go down in increments or can you skip from 6th to 3rd? 4) what do you do when you are in the middle of turning? Are you not supposed to shift at all during this?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Hey Rahul, here we go! 1. When you slow down, you can downshift if you want but the car will automatically downshift too. I show that off in the section of the video when I'm driving 2. You can downshift at any RPM but if your RPMs will be too high, it'll stay in that gear for a second but will automatically adjust it to protect the engine. RPM to drop a gear doesn't matter but you'd ideally use it when you're at a lower RPM so you can get that boost 3. It'll be based on the RPM, not necessarily a set speed. Some cars are fine being in 3rd gear but you shouldn't redline for too long. This ties into point 2 as well. If you downshift and are in too high of an RPM the car will eventually change gears. You can skip down a few gears at a time 4. Driving instructors will usually train people with a manual transmissions not to change gears when turning but the same rule doesn't apply in an automatic

[@RahulSingh-wc7ey]

@@CarsWithSteve thanks Steve. That was very informative , i appreciate your prompt reply!

[@isaac.henry__8]

How come downshifting makes engine braking but when you want to speed up on the highway you downshift ?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Great question! It's a double edged purpose. When you downshift for engine braking, the lower gear causes your RPMs to increase - the compression forces within the engine contribute to slowing down the vehicle. When you downshift to speed up faster, the lower gear also increases engine speed and lets the car access more power which allows the transmission to deliver more torque to the wheels

[@anowhouston]

When i do this i feel like im making the car do something it doesnt feel like doing. Kind of scary to me i dont wanna mess anything up lol

[@jaboroyalty766]

i’ve been asking the same question! Thank you for asking!

[@jamesmoore7858]

A given vehicle's power band varies, but is usually in the higher revs. While you don't want to downshift too early and risk red-lining your engine, getting the revs into that power band accesses more pure horsepower. This horsepower almost works both ways--when accelerating and when decelerating! Think of it like negative horsepower to help you slow down quicker. That same engine power that helps you gain speed more quickly can help you shed speed more quickly. Worth noting that when race cars are put on a dyno testing platform, they measure engine de-rev as previously l precisely as they do the engine power going up. Engine-braking is a big part of overall performance.

[@bobdroidsky225]

@@anowhouston If you're undershifting with not enough gas applied, the car will engine-brake. If you're overshifting with too much gas, the car will feel like it's bogging down. If you're shifting down with a lot gas, it should give you instant added acceleration. Since it's an automatic, the computer will do the shifting for you, even if you zone out and forget to shift in sport mode.

[@TellurdogIsayhi]

Can I do all the upshifting, but let the car/computer do the downshifting? I never really understood what speeds and RPMs i need to downshift into what gears (say if I’m on the highway doing 60, and have to slow to like 40 fairly quickly)

[@CarsWithSteve]

Yes you can! If you're in too high of a gear and start slowing down, the vehicle will automatically drop you down to the appropriate gear

[@OriginalCrazyBonez5]

L Elsia and Anya

[@MississaugaONWX]

Good to see this video. 2018 Toyota Corolla,Just wanted to ask if we need start off with manual shift or while drving ,can we change to M and shift up and down ? Example, if i am on the highway driving automatic and can i shift to manual by changing from D to M ? Is manual shift conducive to normal drving conditions on highway ?

[@CarsWithSteve]

You can change to manual mode and back while you're driving. No issues with using manual mode in regular driving conditions at all, it'll make it more exciting when you do use it, especially when you downshift for some extra speed!

[@teddjiff2014]

Does the gear go back down to a safe point only in mustangs or in every cars ??

[@CarsWithSteve]

It'll do that in every car when you brake!

[@SwapnilBhartiya]

what if you dont shift in time, will computer take over or will it damage the engine?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Covered off in the video but the computer will automatically shift to the appropriate gear so that nothing is damaged! That's the same whether you're in manual mode or not edit: If you want to see it in person, check out the section of the video when I do live driving around 6:00

[@haha7836hahah]

This might sound dumb but How can a lower gear slow me down and provide me greater launch at the same time. Aren’t these two things contradicting?

[@CarsWithSteve]

It's a double edged purpose. When you downshift for engine braking, the lower gear causes your RPMs to increase - the compression forces within the engine contribute to slowing down the vehicle. When you downshift to speed up faster, the lower gear also increases engine speed and lets the car access more power which allows the transmission to deliver more torque to the wheels

[@siddumas1831]

Thanks--but which method (on the gas or off the gas) is best for NOT damaging the Trans or Engine

[@CarsWithSteve]

Foot on is best if you're speeding up.. foot off if you're slowing down

[@SW_Wayseeker]

Can you disable them? My parents have a 2024 Jeep Cherokee and they are in their 70s and accidentally toggle them when they turn the wheel

[@CarsWithSteve]

Older models would let you but you can't disable unless you have performance pages in your infotainment system. It's easy to toggle them off though if you accidentally turn them on. Just press and hold the right paddle for a few seconds!

[@samuelxtay]

Is there a certain indicator of when would be a good time to downshift when braking? What determines when is an optimal time to downshift? Can I downshift 'too fast' and damage the transmission at all, e.g. in sudden braking situations?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Try keeping yourself in the 2,000 - 2,500 rpm range, so downshift as you start getting to the lower part of that range! You can drop multiple gears if braking quickly but the car will automatically drop more than 1 gear at a time if you're slowing down too fast and not dropping gears quickly enough yourself. If you're redlining constantly that will definitely lead to transmission or engine issues eventually but doing it occasionally will be fine

[@imamshaikh7995]

Is there any problem if i use paddle shifters in driven mode (not changing into manual mode)?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Not at all!

[@apeealmagro8299]

Hi Sir Steve! I got a few questions. 1. Is it okey to maintain Sm2 alltrhrought when driving long uphill? Or should i change gear? Thanks

[@CarsWithSteve]

Hey! It really depends on what RPM you're sitting at.. if you're in 2 and are hovering around 2,500 - 3,500 that would be a safe range. Anything above that it would probably make sense to upshift

[@nasirjones5505]

hey i was wondering how it worked when you wanna speed up? do i downshift first to speed up?

[@CarsWithSteve]

You can press the gas pedal to start speeding up but downshifting will cause the RPMs to shoot up and let you speed up faster

[@InspiredCarguy]

Sorry if this is a dumb question so messing up when to shift or staying at the same gear will not damage the car?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Not a dumb question at all! If you shift too high or low you might be stuck in that gear for a few seconds before the car automatically adjusts it. But if you go too high or low either way you can just bump yourself up/down as needed!

[@angelicaq4243]

is it better to use the downshift paddle to be on a lower gear rather than in automatic drive mode when going down a snowy road?

[@CarsWithSteve]

If you find you're having trouble with traction in winter driving, I've found being in a lower gear tends to help

[@how_do_you_type]

after dropping down a gear to get better launch. do I have to gear up instantly after that or do I wait until it hit around 3500rpm to shift the gear up again?

[@CarsWithSteve]

You can take your time to gear up! I usually wait until 3,500 - 5,000 rpm (sometimes higher)

[@how_do_you_type]

@ oh okay, thank you for the answer

[@CarsWithSteve]

anytime!

[@Kingbrady1]

I don't understand or get the part where you say if you decrease gears or click the minus button you could get ahead of people, isnt that lowering gears which means you are slowing down your max speed for tht gear. Can you please elaborate more on what you meant by that?

[@CarsWithSteve]

There have been a few comments asking about that so I'll address it when I do an updated video next year but.. It's a double edged purpose. When you downshift for engine braking, the lower gear causes your RPMs to increase - the compression forces within the engine contribute to slowing down the vehicle. When you downshift to speed up faster, the lower gear also increases engine speed and lets the car access more power which allows the transmission to deliver more torque to the wheels

[@Kingbrady1]

@@CarsWithSteve I somewhat understand what you are saying when you explain the rpm part, thanks.

[@CarsWithSteve]

I demonstrate downshifting in the live demo.. but if you have a car that has paddle shifters you should go out and give it a try. When you downshift you will slow down if your foot is off the gas but if you downshift and press the accelerator pedal you’ll be able to speed up faster too

[@potpotezekiel]

Will it damaga the transmission in a long run if i keep downshifting to slow down? Instead of us8ng the breaks? Break pads more cheaper than repairing transmission. Just wondering

[@CarsWithSteve]

It's not ideal just using the transmission to slow down all the time but if you're not constantly redlining it when you downshift you shouldn't have anything to worry about

[@Lethalmax]

I have paddle shifters and have been wanting it do it, I just have been worried about doing something wrong. I think I might give it a try this weekend though. thanks for the video. Oh also, 3500 seems to be the "safe zone" that ive been hearing about, Is that vehicle specific, or is that just a rule of thumb?

[@CarsWithSteve]

It'll take a bit of getting used to and figuring out the sweet spots for shifting, but once you get the hang of it you'll love it! The RPM shift point is going to depend on where your car's redline is but 3500 is usually a pretty good spot to shift up unless you're after a bit more of a boost for faster acceleration

[@siddumas1831]

I have a 2016 c-7 zo6. When paddle shifting you keep your foot in the gas peddle , right? You do not let off the gas right?

[@CarsWithSteve]

You can shift up and down whether your foot is on the pedal on not. If you want to speed up faster though it's better to downshift with your foot on the gas so there is no real lag

[@srjpgm]

Hi Steve. How best to drive Skoda kushaq 1.5L DSG(dry clutch) in bumper-bumper traffic which involves braking & accelerating in very quick succession, repeatedly. The engaging of the clutch while accelerating & disengaging while braking need to happen so often & so quickly & so completely so as not to damage the G box. Will it be better to drive in M1? Tnx in advance.

[@CarsWithSteve]

I haven't had the chance to drive any Skoda vehicles yet so can't tell from personal experience. But whenever I'm in stop and go traffic when driving a manual transmission I ride a bit further back from the car in front of me and try to stay in 1st gear. Sometimes nothing you can do other than a quick shift down, hang loose on the clutch or go into neutral for a second and then shift again

[@srjpgm]

@@CarsWithSteve Thank you.

[@antoniuscraft3477]

So we don't need to rev-match if we downshift?

[@CarsWithSteve]

You got it!

[@dasuberpanda]

Can anyone elaborate on alternating between up and down shift to get unstuck from snow? How would up shift help or when would it?

[@CarsWithSteve]

If you're driving in regular mode your car will bump you up gears automatically but using the paddles you can stay in a low gear to get a higher RPM to give you more force to drive through it instead. I've got a winter paddle shifter video planned this year when we start seeing snow to show how that actually works!

[@dasuberpanda]

@@CarsWithSteve i see, awesome and thanks for the quick reply! I left a like 👍

[@CarsWithSteve]

Appreciate that! Check back around December for the updated video

[@Biggestblock]

Can you please explain the Audi a6 flaps ?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Paddle shifting in the A6 would be the same as the breakdown I gave here. The "down" shifter is on the left, "up" shifter on the right, so all the same principles would apply

[@ezequiasfernandez]

I understand upshifting when it hits a certain RPM. But for downshifting, do I downshift at a certain RPM as well or when?

[@CarsWithSteve]

You can downshift at any RPM really. Ideally you want to downshift when the RPMs are lower though... so if you're sitting around 1,500 - 2,000 rpm then a downshift would put you closer or above 3,000 which would feel like a big difference in power. Ideally not downshifting at 4,000+ rpm though

[@MissLaurenB18]

Does it reset when you turn on the car?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Yes! In an automatic the car/SUV/truck will always start in 1st gear

[@GermanMiranda-bb2ty]

Can I go from D to N and then from N to D on the move? Can I go out in second gear without damaging the gearbox?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Could you yes.. Should you.. probably not a good idea to keep doing it

[@GermanMiranda-bb2ty]

@@CarsWithSteve I've seen it a lot when you want to revolutionize in motion. I suppose that if it couldn't be done it would already be blocked but it would still be good to know what a Ford engineer thinks. The other thing I've seen is that the box allows you to go out in second gear, which I also assume Ford engineers put in place to use it.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Hmm.. I'll reach out to my PR contact and see what they say too!

[@GermanMiranda-bb2ty]

​@@CarsWithSteve Wow... What a good idea. If this could be done it would be great. More fun.

[@musukodiran3778]

Does speed matter? When I downshift in my 2024 S650 it seems normal but except for 2nd gear. When I downshift to gear 1 my exhaust gets really loud and I get jerked back pretty hard.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Ohh good question! Yes it does. You're getting the loud jerking because you're trying to downshift to a gear that's too low based on your driving conditions. For most cars, 1st gear is best for speeds below 30 km/h (18 mph)

[@musukodiran3778]

@@CarsWithSteve thanks!

[@Slowcarfastbeans]

I still don’t get it. But okay, I’ll get it eventually. How about the pedals? How do you use those?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Watch it again! Really just need to know that the "-" paddle will let you drop gears for more power and the "+" lets you increase gears. Never thought of doing a video on pedals - clutch one might make sense though

[@User8-s2b]

If inadvertently pressed pedal shift ,how to go back to the automatic transmission?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Press and hold the right paddle for a few seconds

[@fernandorico6291]

How come when I up shift at 3k rpm in manual mode, I feel the car jerk, not all the time. May it be that my foot is off the gas while I short shift shift??? Will this damage my engine?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Sounds like you might be shifting up too early if you're getting a jerk, try closer to 3,300 - 3,500 instead and keep your foot on the gas when you do it. If you have a turbocharged engine and don't have a your foot on the gas the car might not engage the next gear as smoothly because the engine speed and the transmission speed are not well-matched. With a non turbocharged engine it may not be able to handle the increased load efficiently at lower RPMs It won't necessarily damage it short term but if that's constantly happening there is an increased risk

[@angle4883]

What does he mean when dropping gears to slow down but also give you a "launch"? To pass people?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Watch the live demo to see what I mean but dropping gears is multi-functional. You can lower your gear to start slowing the vehicle down or use the same higher RPM to gain speed faster by pressing the gas pedal

[@angle4883]

@@CarsWithSteve ah I see I'm starting to get an understanding of what you mean but I'll definitely take a look at the video about lowering gears, really appreciate it!

[@CarsWithSteve]

You're welcome! The 2nd half of the video is how it actually works in a drive so that'll really help with an understanding of how the system works :)

[@manifest.subconsciously]

will this work for lincoln corsair in conserve mode?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Haven't tried it in conserve mode but there isn't a reason why it wouldn't work

[@manifest.subconsciously]

@@CarsWithSteve thank you

[@rondoschiavoni8840]

Why does my 2017 toyota camery le only show S _+ on the gear shifter consol and yet no paddles are on the steering wheel?

[@CarsWithSteve]

That's typical.. it's usually either manual mode on the steering wheel or paddle shifters. There are only a few cars that will have both

[@rolller-jg3wo]

how different is it if i only have 2 gears

[@CarsWithSteve]

What car are you driving that only has 2 gears?

[@fatehtiwana0046]

What happens we press both shifters at same time

[@CarsWithSteve]

Chaos

[@zl1shorts]

Can you damage the car if you use it incorrectly?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Not if something happens once or twice.. But if you're constantly redlining eventually you'll cause excess ware on the engine

[@ameerskater]

so downshift at 2k?

[@CarsWithSteve]

You can downshift at any RPM but the car might push you right to a higher gear immediately if your RPMs shoot too high

[@garyryckewaert5724]

Maybe a stupid ?, but, do you or can you keep your foot on the accelerator while shifting with the paddles?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Nah, not a stipid question at all! Yes you can keep your foot on the gas - I do mention that in the video. When you're dropping a gear to speed up, you can keep your foot on the gas. When you're dropping a gear to slow down, you ideally have your foot off the gas and on the brake

[@garyryckewaert5724]

​@@CarsWithSteve Thank you! I rewatched your video because I got a short phone call the first time which of course was when you explained my question. LoL Thank you for replying, your video was really good and insightful! Take care.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Haha what timing! Appreciate that, good to know it helped out. What car are you driving?

[@garyryckewaert5724]

@@CarsWithSteve I just bought a Kia Forte GT Performance car this past Friday. I have had 3 Kia's and never had a problem with any of them. Of course oil changes and regular maintenance helps. LoL

[@CarsWithSteve]

Nice, that 1.6L turbo is a blast! Good to hear from someone that actually takes care of their car haha. I had an old Forte roll over 250,000 km without any major issues.. same as you, just regular maintenance and oil changes

[@kadowrld]

is it possible i can talk to you personally so i can ask questions?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Feel free to reach out on Instagram! @RealCarsWithSteve

[@abc456f]

Unless going downhill, mechanics will tell you not to use the engine for braking in an auto transmission in manual mode. That's because brake pads are a lot cheaper to replace than a transmission.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Ideally you're braking using the brakes themselves but I can't see there being long term damage if downshifting is done occasionally this way as long as you're keeping the RPMs at a safe level

[@davidbarthel9976]

Those shifters are in a bad spot on the steering wheel right next to the turn signal. They can damage a transmission that is my opinion because they can inadvertently be touched. I don't like them at all.

[@CarsWithSteve]

The only way it's going to damage the transmission is if you're red lining for a very extended period of time. Accidentally hitting it and going up a few thousand RPM once in a while will be fine. But I don think that manufacturers should have an option to be able to disable paddles if you don't want to use them at all

[@deborahhoch2662]

Hmm what doesn’t make sense to me is the minus slows you down but can also help you pass grandma? Someone Please explain!!

[@CarsWithSteve]

Had someone else ask this too.. When you downshift for engine braking, the lower gear causes your RPMs to increase - which slows down the vehicle. But when you downshift, the lower gear also increases engine speed which lets the car access more power. That extra power allows the transmission to deliver more torque to the wheels so when you hit the gas pedal the higher RPMs let you accelerate quicker

[@deborahhoch2662]

@@CarsWithSteve thank you!!

[@awepossum1059]

kids really need tutorials on how to drive automatics 😂

[@CarsWithSteve]

Putting it into gear is one thing, understanding how to use paddles is something else. Did you just pop out understanding how they work?

[@fuadelliotvlogs608]

I don’t get how the “minus button” can be used to speed up and slow down together💀

[@CarsWithSteve]

Watch the drive half way through to see it in action.. but by downshifting and not hitting the gas pedal, the car will slow down because of the higher rpm engine strain. If you hit the gas pedal you’ll speed up faster

[@cnristopher]

@@CarsWithSteve if i am cruising at 35-40mph and then I downshift will my car move faster to like 40-42mph? If I start at a red light and once it turns green light, I will have to upshift and push on gas pedal right? Once I get my car to cruise at 35-40mph, I can downshift and my car will go faster, with or without having to push more on the gas pedal, to like 40-42mph?