What are the plus and minus buttons behind the steering wheel?
The plus and minus buttons behind the steering wheel are paddle shifters: small levers mounted on the back of the wheel that let you manually change gears in many cars with automatic or dual‑clutch transmissions. The right-hand paddle (+) upshifts, and the left-hand paddle (−) downshifts.
What paddle shifters do and when you use them
Paddle shifters give you fingertip control over gear selection without using a clutch pedal. They are widely used in sport and performance‑oriented driving, in conjunction with automatic and dual‑clutch transmissions, and may also be available in certain drive modes for efficiency or dynamic performance.
- Located on the back of the steering wheel spokes, within easy reach of your fingers.
- Usually operate when the transmission is in a manual or sport/manual mode, not in standard Drive mode unless enabled by the car.
- Right paddle (+) typically upshifts; left paddle (−) downshifts.
- They communicate with the vehicle’s transmission control unit to change gears electronically.
- Some cars offer rev‑matching during downshifts or automated downshift logic to protect the engine and drivetrain.
Paddle shifters are common in many brands, including sports cars from Porsche and Ferrari to mainstream models from BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Ford, and Toyota. Always consult your owner’s manual for exact operation in your car, and practice in a safe area to avoid surprises.
Note on transmission modes
Whether you can use paddles in a given vehicle depends on the transmission and drive mode. In most cars, you must enable a manual or sport mode to shift with paddles; in others, the paddles work while in Drive but with limited engagement. Some systems return to automatic shifting if you release the paddles or press the gas pedal beyond a threshold.
How to use paddle shifters safely
Here are practical guidelines to use the paddles effectively while staying safe on the road.
- Confirm you’re in a mode that supports manual shifting (Sport, Manual, or an on‑demand manual setting).
- Shift at appropriate times: upshift before the engine redlines when you want more power, or downshift to engine‑brake on downhill sections or during aggressive cornering.
- Make smooth, deliberate motions. Sudden grabs can upset traction or cause unexpected RPM spikes.
- Avoid downshifting into too low a gear at high speeds, which can over‑rev the engine or trigger the transmission's protective measures.
- If you’re new to paddles, practice in a safe, low‑traffic environment before using them in traffic or on winding roads.
Using paddles responsibly helps you maintain control and engine performance, especially in sporty driving or when you need precise braking and acceleration control.
Where they appear and how models differ
Paddle shifters are typically mounted on the back of the steering wheel, one on each side, but exact design varies by model. Some cars place them behind the wheel; others show small levers or buttons on the wheel’s spokes or the steering wheel hub.
- Right-side paddle labeled (+) upshifts; left-side paddle labeled (−) downshifts in most configurations.
- Placement and labeling can differ by brand and model; some use paddles that blend into the wheel hub rather than protruding.
- In performance models, paddles may include rev‑matching or adaptive shift logic.
- In some hybrids or electric performance cars, the paddles can control drive modes or regenerative braking levels instead of strictly shifting gears.
In all cases, the paddles are designed for quick, hands‑on gear control when you want it, while the car’s computer handles automatic shifting at other times.
Summary
Paddle shifters—plus and minus buttons behind the steering wheel—are a common interface that lets drivers manually select gears in automatic or dual‑clutch transmissions. The right paddle usually ups shifts, the left downs shifts, and usage ranges from performance driving to occasional manual control. They vary by make and model, so consult the owner’s manual and practice in safe conditions to master their operation.
