How to Use Paddle Shifters

What are paddle shifters? Steering wheel paddle shifters are a feature that’s standard or available on many vehicles, including some earlier MINI Cooper S and current John Cooper Works models, but some drivers aren’t sure how to use paddle shifters. This guide from the experts in the MINI of Warwick service department will explain what paddle shifters do and how to use them on your travels in and around %%traget_city_1%%.

What Are Paddle Shifters?

Paddle shifters are usually found on sportier vehicles and trim levels, and are commonly located behind or near the steering wheel. What do paddle shifters do? Paddle shifters allow drivers to easily switch gears on the fly. One paddle brings you down a gear, and the other paddle brings you up a gear. When you use a paddle, the clutch receives an electronic signal for gear selection, and the gear shifts. Paddle shifters offer more control to help you manage your RPMs better. With correct downshifting, you can even extend the life of your brake pads by using paddle shifters. 

Tips on How to Use Paddle Shifters

In order to use paddle shifters, you’ll need to enter manual mode. This puts you in full control to upshift with the right paddle and downshift with the left paddle downshifts, so you can effectively switch gears manually as you cruise around Cranston, RI and Newport, RI. Steering wheel paddle shifters won’t harm the transmission, as they are designed not to change gears if:

• You upshift before the engine reaches the lower limit of the higher gear
• You downshift before reaching the upper limit of the lower gear
• You press one paddle while the other is being held down or press both paddles at the same time
• You try to shift to third or higher while stationary

If you’d rather not use the paddle shifters, just enter D mode and the automatic transmission will take over.

Learn More about How to Use Paddle Shifters at MINI of Warwick

What are paddle shifters? What do paddle shifters do? If you have further questions about how to use paddle shifters stop by MINI of Warwick. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to fill you in on all you need to know about steering wheel paddle shifters. If you’d like to try out a new MINI Cooper equipped with paddle shifters, contact us to set us a test drive. Meanwhile, take a look at our new vehicle specials to see how you can save on an exciting new MINI Cooper today!