How To Use Paddle Shifters

Acura models come equipped with many exciting features to help you upgrade your San Jose adventures. However, if you’re looking to add some excitement to your drives, you’ll want to learn how to use the paddle shifters in your Acura model. But what do paddle shifters do? Many enthusiasts find that paddle shifters on the steering wheel add extra excitement to their drives.

Unlike a manual transmission, paddle shifters put you in control without having to worry about damaging your engine or transmission. Not sure how to use your paddle shifters? We can help! Learn all about paddle shifting today with Capitol Acura, and feel free to stop by our service center if you need assistance.

What Do Paddle Shifters Do?

Before we go over paddle shifting on drives around Santa Clara, you may be wondering, “What do paddle shifters do?” Paddle shifters are often found in many new Acura models. Outside of Acura vehicles, paddle shifters are found in sporty vehicles that come with an automatic transmission.

Enthusiasts appreciate paddle shifters because they can choose to shift between gears when they want to or let the vehicle do it for them in automatic mode. Paddle shifters essentially allow you to shift gears on your own while still sticking between the safety parameters of your vehicle’s engine and transmission. The paddle shifters on your steering wheel allow you to have more control over your transmission without having to worry about a clutch.

Details for How To Use Paddle Shifters

To put your vehicle into manual mode, you’ll want to reference your owner’s manual. The process is different for every vehicle, but once it’s in manual mode, you’ll be able to start paddle shifting on spirited drives outside of Milpitas.

On your paddle shifters, you’ll notice the right paddle usually has a “+” on it, and that’s to shift up. The left paddle has a “-” on it, and that’s to shift down. Here are the details of using your paddle shifters:

• As your engine RPMs climb, you’ll want to upshift.
• Your vehicle will automatically downshift for you as you slow down, but you can also downshift manually to get into the higher RPM torque range of your vehicle.
• When you’re done manually shifting, you can simply put your vehicle back into automatic mode.
• Most vehicles with paddle shifters won’t allow you to change gears if you’re not in the correct RPM range, so there’s little concern about damaging your vehicle.

Get Help With Paddle Shifters On Your Steering Wheel at Capitol Acura!

If you aren’t comfortable using your paddle shifters, feel free to stop in at our San Jose dealer, and we’ll be more than happy to walk you through the process. Let us know how we can help you feel more confident using your paddle shifters!