What does the lever behind the steering wheel do?

It’s a multifunction steering-column stalk that usually controls turn signals, headlights, and windshield wipers, with cruise control and other features available on some models.

The precise layout and symbols depend on your vehicle, but understanding the common uses will help you operate it more safely and efficiently while driving. Below is a guide to what the lever behind the wheel typically does and how to use it correctly.

Common functions of the steering-column stalk

The following functions appear on the typical steering-column stalk or stalks, though the exact arrangement can vary by manufacturer.

• Turn signals / indicators: Push the stalk up for a right turn and down for a left turn; the lever often returns to the center automatically after the maneuver. Some cars require a slight nudge to cancel the signal.


• Headlights and parking lights: A rotating collar or a switch on the end controls on/off and parking light mode; many cars offer an auto setting that uses ambient light sensors.


• High beams: A separate control on the stalk lets you flash the high beams or permanently switch them on; in many cars you pull the stalk toward you to flash and push away to lock high beams on.


• Windshield wipers and washers: Choose intermittent, normal, or fast speeds; pull toward you or press the stalk to activate washers for a spray of cleaning fluid. Some cars group wipers on the right-hand stalk.


• Cruise control / adaptive cruise control: A set of buttons or a dedicated stalk enables the system, lets you set a speed, adjust following distance, and resume or cancel cruise control. In some cars, cruise is controlled via steering-wheel buttons rather than a separate stalk.


• Other function zones: In some models the end of the stalk may control fog lights, the trip computer, or sport modes; regional variations apply.

Note that not every car uses all of these functions on a single stalk; many vehicles split controls across different stalks or pair them with steering-wheel-mounted buttons. Consult your owner's manual for your exact layout.

Using the stalks safely

To operate the stalks without compromising safety, follow these guidelines:

• Signal early: activate indicators well before turning or changing lanes and cancel them automatically as you complete the maneuver or by returning the stalk to center.


• Use headlights appropriately: rely on auto headlights if available, but ensure you have proper lighting in low visibility conditions.


• wipers according to weather: set the appropriate speed, and use the washer function only when necessary to avoid distracted driving.


• Cruise control: keep hands on the wheel, stay aware of traffic and road conditions, and do not use cruise in heavy traffic, rain, or poor visibility.

By knowing what each stalk does and practicing in a safe area, you’ll reduce confusion while driving and keep your attention on the road.

Variations by region and model

Steering-column stalk layouts vary worldwide. Here are some common regional and model-based differences to watch for:

• Left-hand drive vs right-hand drive: In many cars, the turn signals live on the left stalk, while in others the wipers might be on the left or right. The region determines which side the indicators are on relative to the driver.


• Stalks vs wheel-mounted controls: Some models place most controls on stalks; others use a combination of stalks and steering-wheel buttons or dials.


• End-of-stalk features: Fog lights, lane-change signals, or trip controls may be accessed via the tip or end of the stalk in some vehicles.

Because of these variations, taking a few minutes to review the owner's manual or a quick dealer demonstration is worthwhile whenever you buy a new car or rent a vehicle in a different country.

Summary

The steering-column lever is a central control that coordinates essential driving tasks. While its core roles are signaling, lighting, and wipers, many cars also integrate cruise control and other features on the same stalk or nearby controls. Understanding your car’s layout and practicing safely will help you stay focused on the road.

What is the lever behind the steering wheel?

The "handles" behind the steering wheel are called paddle shifters, which allow you to manually change gears in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. The right paddle is for upshifting to a higher gear, and the left paddle is for downshifting to a lower gear. Using them can provide more control over the vehicle's acceleration and help with things like passing or descending hills.
 
This video explains what paddle shifters are and how to use them: 59sHondaYouTube · Apr 24, 2023
What paddle shifters do

• Provide manual gear control: They put the car in a "manual" or "sport" mode, allowing you to select gears instead of the car's computer. 
• Improve acceleration: You can hold a lower gear longer to maximize power when accelerating, such as when passing. 
• Help with braking: Downshifting can use engine braking to help slow the vehicle down, which is useful on long descents or in certain situations. 
• Enhance driving experience: Many drivers find them more engaging and fun, especially on winding roads. 
• Work with automatic transmissions: They are found on vehicles with automatic transmissions and eliminate the need for a clutch pedal. 

How to use them

• Locate the paddles: They are typically mounted behind the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. 
• Engage manual mode: You may need to shift the gear selector to a "D" (drive), "S" (sport), or "M" (manual) setting first. 
• Up-shift: Pull the right paddle (often marked with a "+") to shift to the next higher gear. 
• Down-shift: Pull the left paddle (often marked with a "-") to shift to the next lower gear. 
• Switch back to automatic: You can typically return to full automatic mode by shifting the gear selector back to "D". 

What does the lever under my steering wheel do?

The lever under the steering wheel is for adjusting the steering column's position, allowing you to move the steering wheel up and down (tilt) and closer or farther away (telescoping). To adjust, pull the lever, move the wheel to your desired position, and then push the lever back up to lock it in place for a comfortable and secure fit.
 
You can watch this video to see how to adjust the steering wheel: 30sClearview DrivingYouTube · Jun 2, 2023
How to adjust the steering wheel

1. Locate the lever: Find the lever, typically on the bottom of the steering column. 
2. Unlock the column: Pull the lever towards you or push it down to unlock the steering column. 
3. Adjust the position:
   • Tilt: Move the steering wheel up or down. 
   • Telescope: Pull the steering wheel closer or push it farther away. 
4. Secure the position: Push the lever back up to lock the steering wheel in place. 

What are paddle shifters used for?

Paddle shifters are used to allow the driver to manually control the gears of an automatic transmission for more control and a sportier driving experience. They are typically located on the back of the steering wheel, with the right paddle used for upshifting and the left for downshifting. This provides immediate access to manual gear selection, making them useful for performance driving, towing, or driving in challenging conditions like snow or heavy rain.
 
This video explains how paddle shifters provide greater control over your vehicle's gears: 58sHondaYouTube · Apr 24, 2023
Key uses of paddle shifters

• Performance driving: Allows drivers to keep the engine in a specific power band for better acceleration during maneuvers like passing or cornering. 
• Engine braking: Lets you downshift to use the engine to slow down the vehicle, reducing wear on the brakes, especially when going downhill. 
• Towing: Provides the ability to select a lower gear to maintain power when going uphill or to use engine braking to help control speed when going downhill. 
• Challenging weather: Can be used in slippery conditions like heavy rain or snow to have more control, for example, by downshifting to slow the vehicle without relying solely on the brakes. 
• Increased engagement: Provides a more interactive and engaging driving experience, similar to driving a manual transmission vehicle, while still being used in an automatic car. 

This video explains how to use paddle shifters to slow down your vehicle: 57sCars With SteveYouTube · Nov 11, 2023

When should I use my 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.