How to Use Paddle Shifters

Virtually every Mercedes-Benz in the new vehicle lineup is offered with paddle shifters, but just what do paddle shifters do? Paddle shifters allow you to quickly change gears, so you can enjoy extra control and a sportier performance at your fingertips. This means you can go from automatic shifting to paddle shifting in seconds for added fun on the Stamford roads. Find out how to use paddle shifters with Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich, and enjoy even more excitement on your next ride.

What Are Paddle Shifters?

If automatic vehicles shift gears automatically and manual vehicles shift gears manually, then what are paddle shifters? Paddle shifting is a special mode on cars with automatic transmissions. Found exclusively on sporty and luxury models, this feature allows the driver to switch into a manual mode for greater control over every gear shift. This allows you to manage your RPMs, which can extend the life of your brake pads. And of course, paddle shifting is also a ton of fun.

How to Use Paddle Shifters

Learning how to use paddle shifters takes a little time, but it’s well worth the extra steps. First, you’ll need to enter manual mode on your car to enable paddle shifting. Look for the paddle shift on the steering wheel. Your right paddle will upshift and the left paddle will downshift. Now you’re all set to change gears as you navigate Rye and New Canaan.

Though anyone can learn how to use paddle shifters, there is an adjustment period for most drivers. But don’t worry, your vehicle has a few safeguards in place to prevent any damage to your car’s components. Your car won’t change gears if:

• You upshift before the engine reaches the lower limit of the higher gear.
• You downshift before reaching the upper limit of the lower gear.
• You press one paddle while the other is being held down.
• You press both paddles at the same time.
• You try to shift to third or higher while stationary.

If you start to feel overwhelmed, you can exit out of manual mode easily. Just enter D mode to let the automatic transmission take care of your shifting for you!

Learn More about Paddle Shifters at Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich

Now you know what do paddle shifters do and how to use each paddle shift on the steering wheel. But if you still have questions about how to use paddle shifters, feel free to reach out! Contact us at any time, or just swing by Greenwich. Our team would be happy to go over the basics, and we can set you up with a test drive in a new model with paddle shifters. You can even buy your car online!