How To Use Shift Paddles

The performance of a new Mercedes-Benz will have you excited to take on nearly every Providence drive. They come packed full of features to ensure you have an enjoyable time when you’re behind the wheel. Vehicle technology has come a long way but many drivers are finding themselves looking for more control when they’re in the driver’s seat.

Fortunately, many Mercedes-Benz models come with steering wheel shift paddles to help you enjoy an even more engaging driving experience. But, what are shift paddles? Find out today with the experts at Mercedes-Benz of Warwick! Here’s what we’ll go over to help you better understand this exciting feature of Mercedes-Benz models:

• What are shift paddles?
• What do shift paddles do?
• How to use shift paddles

What Do Shift Paddles Do?

So, what are shift paddles? Shift paddles are usually buttons of paddles located behind the steering wheel or on the steering column of a sporty or performance model. But, what do shift paddles do? Shift paddles allow you to control the gear you’re in without the need for a clutch pedal. In a standard automatic transmission, the transmission shifts for you to maximize performance and efficiency as you’re driving around East Greenwich.

However, shift paddles allow you to become more engaged in your drive by controlling the gear you’re in on your own. Best of all, unlike a manual transmission, most shift paddle transmission systems have a safety feature built in so that you can’t shift into the wrong gear and cause engine failure. Some benefits of an automatic transmission with shift paddles include:

• Better driver engagement
• Increased vehicle control
• Reduced brake pad wear with engine braking
• Less risk of engine damage due to a missed gear shift

Tips for How To Use Shift Paddles

On most vehicles with shift paddles, you’ll want to enter your vehicle into manual mode. If you don’t go into manual mode, you’ll find that your transmission will continue to automatically shift for you on your Cranston travels. Reference your owner’s manual for details on how to enter manual mode.

In many vehicles, the right paddle upshifts while the left paddle downshifts. Keep this in mind when you’re driving in manual mode with your shift paddles. Take a look at some additional tips on using your shift paddles when you’re driving:

• The general rule of thumb is to shift up when the RPMs on your tachometer begins to climb toward redline.
• You’ll want to shift down if you’re looking for more power when you accelerate.
• Pressing both paddles at the same time won’t do anything and if you’re not in the right RPM range, your vehicle won’t let you shift up or down. This is to avoid engine damage by shifting into the incorrect gear.
• When you’re done using your shift paddles, simply put your vehicle back into automatic mode.

Find a Mercedes-Benz With Steering Wheel Shift Paddles at Mercedes-Benz of Warwick!

There are many Mercedes-Benz models equipped with steering wheel shift paddles. If you’re looking to trade in your vehicle for a Mercedes-AMG® model or a standard Mercedes-Benz model with shift paddles, head to our Warwick dealership today for assistance! We look forward to helping you find an engaging vehicle to take on your adventures. Let us know if you have any questions!