How to use paddle shifters when coming to a stop?

Paddle shifters let you manually select gears in many modern automatics. When coming to a stop, you can downshift progressively to lower gears to use engine braking while you brake, finishing in 1st gear as you come to a stop, then shifting to Park. The key is to anticipate the stop and shift smoothly.

In practice, keep your hands on the wheel, use the left paddle to downshift as you slow, and avoid abrupt throttle inputs or revving the engine. Engine braking helps control speed and reduces wear on the brake system, especially on descents or in heavy traffic. If you’re in a car with a dedicated manual or sport mode, you’ll have more direct control, but you’ll still balance brake use with downshifts for a smooth stop.

What paddle shifters do and when to use them

Paddle shifters are typically paired with automatic transmissions that offer a manual or sport mode. They let you override automatic shifts by pulling the paddles: the left paddle downshifts, the right paddle upshifts. When decelerating, downshifting provides engine braking and greater control over your speed, which can improve smoothness and reduce brake wear.

The following steps outline how to approach a stop using paddle shifters.

• Keep the car in Drive or in the vehicle’s manual/sport mode so you can use the paddles without switching to Neutral. Maintain a light touch on the brakes as you begin to slow.


• Use the left paddle to downshift one gear at a time as you lose speed. Don’t skip gears; a gradual cadence helps keep the engine within a smooth RPM range and provides predictable engine braking.


• Downshift to lower gears as you approach the stop, typically moving from higher gears (e.g., 6th/5th) toward 4th, then 3rd, 2nd, and finally 1st as you near a complete stop. Exact gears depend on your speed and your car’s transmission.


• Synchronize downshifts with braking so the car slows primarily through controlled engine braking plus braking force, avoiding abrupt shifts that can shock the drivetrain or startle passengers.


• As you come to a stop, you can either stay in the lowest engaged gear or shift to Neutral if you anticipate a long stop or you prefer not to hold a gear; always re-engage Drive before moving again, and shift to Park after the vehicle is fully stopped.

Concluding note: The main goal is to decelerate smoothly, using engine braking to supplement the brakes rather than relying solely on either method. Always follow the car’s manual guidance for manual/automatic modes, as some models restrict certain downshifts at very low speeds or require a different procedure when coming to a stop.

Approaching a stop: a gear-down sequence

To minimize brake wear and maintain control, plan your deceleration and execute a conservative downshift cadence as you slow.

Cadence and timing

Start early on the downshifts when you have time to execute them smoothly. Move through gears one step at a time: from higher gears to 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and then 1st as you near the stop. If you’re at very low speed and the car is ready to stall in 1st, you may stay in 2nd until you come to a complete stop or shift to Neutral and brake to a halt.

On hills and in stop-and-go traffic

Engine braking is particularly valuable on downhill runs and during prolonged deceleration in traffic. Using paddle downshifts thoughtfully helps maintain speed and control without overusing the brakes.

• On long downhill slopes, downshift early to keep speeds in check and reduce brake fade. Use engine braking in conjunction with the brakes to maintain a steady speed.


• In stop-and-go traffic, downshift as you slow to keep the car responsive when the light changes. Don’t hammer through gears; go one notch at a time for smooth transitions.


• If your car has a dedicated “manual” or “sport” mode, you’ll usually get more aggressive downshifting; use it judiciously to avoid abrupt engine braking or rev spikes.

Conclusion: Downshifting on hills and in slow traffic helps you stay in control, reduces brake heat, and prepares you for a quick restart when traffic moves again.

After you come to a stop

Once the vehicle is fully stopped, you should decide the next step based on timing and intent of movement.

• If you’re stopping briefly (a red light), you can stay in Drive and keep your foot on the brake. Re-engage the accelerator only after you’re ready to move.


• For longer stops or when parked, shift to Neutral or Park and apply the parking brake as appropriate. When you’re ready to move again, shift back to Drive (or engage First through the manual mode) and release the parking brake.


• If your car automatically downshifts when you brake heavily, you may not need to do extra downshifts as you slow to a stop; rely on the system as designed and use paddles for finer control if desired.

Closing thought: Always ensure the car is completely stopped before shifting to Park, and never shift to Park while moving. Paddle shifters are a tool to improve control and comfort, not a substitute for safe braking and situational awareness.

Summary

Paddle shifters offer manual-style control of an automatic transmission, enabling engine braking to assist deceleration as you approach a stop. Downshift one gear at a time, from high to low, while applying the brakes to slow smoothly. Finish the stop in 1st gear or shift to Neutral/Park as appropriate, and re-engage Drive when you’re ready to move. Use engine braking on hills and in heavy traffic for better control and reduced brake wear, always aligning your actions with your vehicle’s specific transmission design and safety guidance.

How to use paddle shifters correctly?

Mode. If a paddle shifter is used when drive is selected manual shifting mode is temporarily engaged. This is especially useful to increase engine braking with a downshift or two when going downhill.

When should you use your paddle shifters?

Use paddle shifters for more control during spirited driving, like before a corner or when passing, and to manage speed in specific situations like descending hills or towing by downshifting for engine braking. You can also use upshifts for better fuel economy or to shift at a desired RPM to avoid the transmission "hunting" for gears.
 
This video explains how to use paddle shifters and provides tips for different driving situations: 58sHondaYouTube · Apr 24, 2023
During spirited or performance driving 

• Downshift before a corner: Select a lower gear to prepare for acceleration as you exit the curve. 
• Prepare for passing: Downshift to a lower gear to access more power for a quick acceleration to pass another vehicle. 
• Engage engine braking: Downshift on a straight road to slow the vehicle without using the brakes excessively, which can be useful when approaching a stop or a slowdown. 

For managing speed and load

• Going downhill: Downshift to a lower gear to use engine braking to control your speed, reducing wear on your brakes and preventing them from overheating. 
• Towing: Use a lower gear to help the engine and transmission pull the vehicle uphill, and to prevent the transmission from constantly shifting ("hunting"). 
• Driving in heavy rain or snow: Use downshifts to have more control over the vehicle's speed. 

This video demonstrates how to use paddle shifters for engine braking and managing speed in different conditions: 55sDietrich's Car ChannelYouTube · Dec 3, 2024
For fuel efficiency and comfort

• Upshift for highway cruising: Shift to a higher gear manually to keep the engine RPMs lower for a smoother, quieter ride and better fuel efficiency on the highway. 
• Maintain optimal RPMs: Shift up when the RPMs get high to avoid unnecessary noise and fuel consumption. Conversely, you can downshift to keep the engine in its powerband when you need acceleration. 

Important considerations

• Listen to your engine: Pay attention to the engine's sound and the tachometer (RPM gauge). Shift up before the engine hits the redline, or when you want a lower RPM for cruising. 
• Use while in automatic mode: Many cars will temporarily use manual mode when you use the paddle shifters, even if you are in "D" (Drive). The transmission will often shift back to automatic after a period of inactivity. 
• Read your owner's manual: Paddle shifters can function differently depending on the vehicle. Some, like in certain electric vehicles, control regenerative braking instead of gears. 

Do you take your foot off the gas when using paddle shifters?

No, you do not have to let off the gas when paddle shifting, because it is a function of an automatic transmission. Your car's electronics handle the shift, and you can keep your foot on the accelerator for smooth shifts while accelerating. 

• You don't need to lift: You can press the paddle at full throttle, and the car's computer will manage the shift without needing your foot to come off the gas. 
• It's an automatic function: Paddle shifters are simply a way to manually choose when the automatic transmission shifts, similar to how a computer would, according to Quora. 
• Smoothness: For the smoothest shifts when accelerating, keep your foot on the accelerator pedal and press the paddle to upshift. 
• Downshifting: You will naturally not be on the gas when downshifting to slow down, and pressing the paddle to shift into a lower gear will assist with engine braking. 

How to come to a stop with paddle shifters?

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