How to Use Paddle Shifters

Round Rock drivers who are looking to learn more about how to properly use paddle shifters have come to the right place. Paddle shifters are an available, or sometimes standard, feature on many new vehicles. So, exactly what do paddle shifters do, and how do you use them? Learn how to operate paddle shifters on your new Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram with the team at Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today!

What Are Paddle Shifters?

So, what do paddle shifters do exactly? Paddle shifters can be found near the steering wheel on sportier vehicles as well as some upgraded trim level models. On either side of the steering wheel of these vehicles, you’ll find corresponding paddles that shift the gear up or down. In most cases, when you use a paddle shifter, the clutch receives an electronic signal for gear selection, and then the gear shifts.

One benefit to paddle shifters is that they generally offer more control to help you manage your engine speed or RPM better. Paddle shifters allow for proper downshifting and can even extend the life of your brake pads.

How to Use Paddle Shifters

Now that you know what paddle shifters do, it’s time to learn how to use them. You’ll want to enter manual mode in order to put yourself in full control to paddle shift. Typically, the right paddle upshifts, and the left paddle shifts down. Keep in mind, fail-safes are in place, so you don’t have to worry about harming your vehicle when shifting gear. Paddle shifters won’t change gears in the following situations:

• Upshift before the engine reaches the lower limit of the higher gear
• Downshift before reaching the upper limit of the lower gear
• Press one paddle while the other is being held down
• Press both paddles at the same time
• Try to shift to third or higher while stationary
• Let the automatic transmission take over for a while by entering D mode.

Learn More about Paddle Shifters at Nyle Maxwell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Interested in learning more about how to use paddle shifters and how they can be used on the road from Austin to Georgetown? Simply contact us to set up a test drive near Cedar Park to experience paddle shifters for yourself! You can also browse our new or used vehicle inventory online.