If I’m using paddle shifters should I be downshifting all the way to first gear or stay in second?
Posted by sirkrakky@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 18 comments
So I’ve been using the paddle shifters in my car for a while now and I’ve noticed that whenever I would be coming to a complete stop and would downshift to first gear the car would jerk. Is it safe to downshift to first while driving or at all or do I have to be completely stopped to downshift to first.
RemoteVersion838@reddit
It will be more enjoyable to not use them around town, let the automatic do the work. Some automatic cars will always start in 1st from a stop no matter what you shift to. Its a virtual shifter after all, that has no mechanical connection to the transmission.
Suitable_Diver_2395@reddit
Why do you use paddle shifters if you are not on the racing track? xD
imo, it makes no sense to use it in a city traffic, you just fxck your car for no reason, it has computers inside, that analyse thousands data inputs per second, ig your car's trasmission is smart enough to shift:)
Just chill
sirkrakky@reddit (OP)
U don’t have to be on a track to use paddle shifters like what? I use them because it’s more fun and I like hearing the car go up in rpms. And the cars not getting fucked up what so ever because the computer doesn’t allow bad upshifts or downshifts
Tony-cums@reddit
Paddle shifters are hilarious to me. Never have I felt more corny. Let the automatic transmission do the work.
Dniershy1@reddit
It’s good if you know you want to pass a car. If you don’t, there’s a delay when you try to accelerate. Also engine braking if you’re in an area with snow.
It has its benefits.
Tony-cums@reddit
No there’s not. Ridiculous. They’re dopey.
UnderTheFrozenSky@reddit
Generally you will let the computer downshift to 1st once you have stopped or are at 2-5 MPH with a DCT. Even with a manual a lot of the time 1st gear has no synchros and they are sensitive about getting downshifted to first in motion.
sirkrakky@reddit (OP)
The computer doesn’t downshift to first on its own and I noticed that in auto it doesn’t even shift to first either it always stays in second
UnderTheFrozenSky@reddit
Very interesting. So even in auto when you stop it, it wants to launch in second? What car?
sirkrakky@reddit (OP)
Yea when I stop it stays in second and I know this because when I’m fully stopped and I accelerate the rpms go up then they dip for a second before going back up and I tested this with paddles in second gear and the rpms dipped before going back up and obviously in first gear the rpms didn’t dip. It’s a 2013 Mercedes E350
UnderTheFrozenSky@reddit
Does it do this in "sport" mode as well?
sirkrakky@reddit (OP)
Yea it never goes below second unless I am fully stopped and downshift to first myself or shift to park then drive it’s honestly kinda weird
Lopsided-Public8205@reddit
For city driving, I would let the car do the downshifting unless you want to bang it down a gear to pass. When fully stopped, shift to 1st if you want to launch in 1st.
fenderstratsteve@reddit
My dad’s MB (a W205 with the 9G-Tronic) will start in second gear in Comfort mode. You have to switch to Sport mode to get it to start in first.
Stoltzy624@reddit
I typically just let the car shift to first on its own.
Substantial_Team6751@reddit
In general, you don't need to row through the gears on any car to come to a complete stop. Brake pads are cheaper than unnecessary wear on your transmission.
shaggy24200@reddit
Generally I don't use the paddle shifters in town or other situations where I would have to stop and go. They are best used temporarily when going through curvy roads and such to control what gear you are in. Rest of the time just leave it in drive.
BouncingSphinx@reddit
Judging from your other comments, I would stay in 2nd until completely or nearly completely stopped before shifting down to 1st.