Paddle shifters are buttons or paddles mounted on or near the steering wheel of a vehicle that allow a driver to manually shift gears while their hands remain on the wheel. They are a steering wheel-mounted alternative to the gearshift lever for manually shifting a transmission. Paddle shifters allow you to shift gear while holding the steering wheel without having to move your hand to the gear lever, making the change safer and quicker. By clicking the paddle shifter, you can upshift or downshift the transmission as you drive. Paddle shifters are pretty simple to use: all you have to do is press or push the paddle to put the car in manual mode. The right paddle marked with a “+” is used to upshift while the left paddle marked with a “-” is used to downshift.

Paddle shifters provide more control, allowing the driver to choose when the transmission upshifts or downshifts. This is useful in hilly terrains, curvy roads, and other situations where the driver wants more control over the vehicle. Paddle shifters can be used to downshift to increase torque when going uphill or passing slower traffic, or to upshift to get the car out of the snow faster. They are also useful in slippery conditions, starting out in a higher gear reduces the rate of wheel spin, therefore reducing the likelihood of getting stuck.

Paddle shifters were initially used in a sequential transmission for racing cars. Its structure is close to that of a manual transmission, but it makes it possible to shift gear quickly and safely by connecting the paddle and the transmission through mechanical or electronic devices. Having paddle shifters in your car allows you to react to the situation in a way that cannot be done with an automatic transmission. In an automatic transmission car, sensors determine whether to shift gears or not. However, with paddle shifters, you can drive and shift gears as you want while you see and anticipate the things to come next, enjoying a sportier and smoother driving experience.