Why use paddle shifters

To cancel this override, hold one of the paddles usually the right, upshift, paddle shift for a couple of seconds, after this, the transmission will return to a fully automatic mode. Some models from manufacturers such as BMW and Porsche use two steering column-mounted paddles that can perform both up and downshifts.

Other vehicles might use a toggle switch on the gear shifter that accomplishes the same effect as a paddle. The fail-safe mechanisms in most of these systems will immediately override this simulated manual condition and prevent the vehicle from remaining in that gear if the computer senses any risk of powertrain damage occurring from over-revving or exceeding the engine speed for the car.

In some cars, mostly performance models, the engine is allowed to redline in one gear before automatically upshifting. In a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission, the driver is expected to move the shift lever to drive and move forward only by operating the accelerator and brake pedals. For Reverse, move the selector accordingly. Apart from occasional L or similar gear patterns to manually select lower gears, there isn't much choice. Even though modern automatic transmissions often try to judge responses based on driving history and even the way the driver operates the accelerator pedal, paddle shifters can more deliberately make the car more responsive in certain situations.

With paddle shifters, the driver can toggle through all available gears and override the standard programming. That's a bonus when more power is quickly needed. Cornering: When you need to rapidly slow down and tightly turn a corner, using the left paddle to lower your transmission down by a gear or two as you turn provides extra torque to maneuver quickly.

Towing downhill: During downhill towing, using the left paddle to downshift your engine to control the load's weight better. That prevents excess wear and tear on your brakes, which can otherwise rapidly overheat. Some paddle shifters let you start in second gear instead of first, reducing the torque sent to the vehicle's drive wheels. That helps to prevent wheel spin from achieving and maintaining good traction in the snow. For performance driving, paddle shifters can do the opposite for cars that usually start in second or even third gear.

First-gear starts ensure maximum use of the available power from the start. That replicates the level of control many drivers appreciate with a traditional manual transmission. Modern automatic transmissions favor higher gears to achieve better fuel economy, but that doesn't necessarily mean they adapt quickly to changing conditions.

A paddle shifter also makes a car more fun to drive and having that bit of extra control makes for high brownie points in favor of that car. As responsive automatic transmissions might be, most drivers like to have the option to be able to bring about a gear change if they so wish. Then again, paddle shifters are not put in for fun alone, they have some major pros as well.

For someone who has recently made the switch to automatic from manual, it could be frustrating to wait for the car to make the shift when you know you can do it faster.

A paddle shifter takes that lag and frustration away and lets you shift at your pace, instead of waiting for the computer to kick in and do its bit. Another time the paddle shifter comes in handy is when you need to rapidly slow down and turn on a tight corner, or even want to slow down on a slick road.

Applying the brakes too quickly can cause a car to skid or fishtail, grappling for a hold on the road. If you downshift a gear or two, the engine speed automatically reduces, slowing the car down without the need for braking, thus helping you drive that much safer. Another instance where downshifting can come in handy is when you are headed down a decline in inclement weather, or when you are towing something that is adding to the whole push and momentum of downhill driving.

Too much braking can cause brake and tire damage and skids, so downshifting is a handier alternative and one that does not damage the car at all. Paddle shifters can also help you start the car in second gear instead of first and this helps you reduce the torque sent to the wheels.

If you are starting your car in snow or mud or in any situation where the wheels can spin and get stuck, paddle-shifting to the second gear is your golden ticket out. Cost was no factor and no expense was spared in restoring and modifying this classic American muscle car.

Manual modes let drivers shift gears using paddles or switches kind of like switching gears when playing Pole Position. But, like in all automatics , there's no clutch. With Fiat's autostick, keeping the stick to the right keeps it in automatic. When you pull the stick to the left into the manual shift gate, it acts as a switch to shift up and down.

If the manual mode is off, then the car's fully automatic. And why would savvy drivers want to tie up their latte-holding hand to shift if the car already does it for them? But squeezing more power from the engine will probably cost you more at the gas station.

So holding a gear longer delivers more horsepower," Alterman says in an email. Fiat's autobox is designed for the automatic-loving, standard-fearing North American market. Chrysler Chrysler. Automatic transmissions are required to have L -- a low gear setting, Gosselin says.