How to use paddle shifters in a car? How to use the steering wheel paddles correctly, how to use it correctly, the right world How to use the steering wheel paddles correctly

EFC › Blog › What are paddle shifters: device and principle of operation

The idea to place gear shift levers on the steering wheel of a production car came from motorsport. In the late 80s of the last century, Formula 1 racing cars began to be equipped with electromechanical gear shift systems. The first formula team to release a car with petals from the paddock was Ferrari. Petals have since found their way into racing car designs. Over time, they appeared on civilian cars.

The spread of petals was preceded by the appearance of a Tiptronic type system.

This additional automatic transmission option allows the driver to change the gear ratios as desired. The driver selects the switching moment, and Tiptronic handles the implementation. The selector of automatic transmissions equipped with Tiptronic has an additional track where you can move the lever, thereby activating manual gear shifting. Such boxes appeared in 1990 on the 911 Porsche model.

Design and principle of operation

Essentially, these paddles are two plastic levers that you can press to change gears. They are located on the steering column, which is very convenient for both the driver and the passenger.

The benefits of the paddle shifters can also be felt during dynamic driving, for example when you need to accelerate to overtake. In this case, the automatic transmission will change gears as usual, and the use of the paddles will allow you to spin the engine, changing gears at the peak of its power, which will increase the intensity of acceleration.

Considering how often accidents occur when overtaking, the paddle shifters really seem like a breath of fresh air for the motorist.

Pressing the lever transmits a signal to the control unit, which activates the automatic transmission solenoids and the gear ratio changes. The driver selects only the moment of shifting, and the process of changing gears is carried out by electric drives under computer control. The absence of drives directly to the paddles allows you to place them anywhere, but the most convenient location is the steering column.

There are variations of such systems:

Mazda 6 Series cars are equipped with a steering wheel not only with two paddle shifters, but also with downshift levers on each side. This is done so that the driver can both upshift and downshift using only one hand.

Activation of the manual switching mode in different designs can be done by pressing the petals, or by selecting this mode on the main selector. If the paddle shifters are not used by the driver for a certain time, then some systems can automatically switch the box to automatic shift mode.

Steering wheel paddle shifters for manual transmission

Until recently, when you mentioned paddle shifters on the steering wheel, you didn’t have to think about what type of gearbox you were talking about. However, engineers from the American company Master Shift changed the rules of the game. At the SEMA tuning show in Las Vegas in 2012, a system was presented that allows you to replace a manual transmission with a transmission with electronic paddle shifters. In this case, the car remains with three pedals, but the usual manual transmission lever is not used. The essence of the invention is that the drive unit is connected to the box through adapters. A sensor is installed under the clutch pedal that records the moment the clutch discs open. By clicking the paddle, the desired gear is selected, then the electronics waits for the clutch to be pressed, and as soon as the discs are disconnected, the electric drive brings the desired gear and the driver closes the discs, releasing the pedal.

The developers have provided special systems that block the electric drive when selecting reverse gear when moving forward at a speed of over 1.6 km/h.

It is quite possible that cars with a similar gear shift system will soon go into mass production.

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Americans have created steering wheel paddle shifters for DRIVE mechanics

Interestingly, to connect the steering wheel paddles to the “brains” of the system, it is not necessary to run new wires inside the steering shaft. The petals are connected to an existing wire in the steering wheel - from an audio signal, through which commands are transmitted digitally.

In Las Vegas, at the SEMA show, Master Shift presented an entertaining kit that allows you to convert the manual six-speed transmission on the two-door Corvette C6 into a partially robotic transmission with electronic paddle shifters. In this case, the car remains with three pedals, but loses the usual mechanical lever. The driver is invited to switch gears by lightly pressing the steering column switches.

The company has several options for paddles suitable for installation under different steering wheels, and several actuators adapted to a wide variety of manual transmissions. So it’s not just the Corvette that can be remade in this way.

The system operates on a preselective principle. The drive unit is connected to the box through adapters. It can change gears in the same way as if the driver were moving a regular lever.

At this moment, the servo drive closes the desired stage, and then the person himself closes the clutch discs again.

The actuator on the box shifts gears in 0.25–0.3 s - faster than the average driver would shift it manually. The gearbox essentially remains a “mechanics”, but now you don’t need to take your hands off the steering wheel.

If you click the left or right petal two or three times at once, then at the moment the disks open, the box will move, respectively, two or three steps up or down. But at the same time, there is protection against accidental shifting of the gearbox to neutral or unintentional engagement of reverse gear - for this you need to press separate safety buttons.

What are paddle shifters for?

What are paddle shifters for?
1. What are they and how did they appear?
2. Design and principle of operation
3. Advantages and disadvantages
4. Shifters for manual transmission

In new foreign cars you can see small levers on the steering wheel, they are called steering wheel paddles. In the overall picture of the interior, they look cool, modern, and many people like this design. But these petals are created not only to style modern cars. What else is it for? We will discuss this with you now.

What are they and how did they appear?

Steering wheel paddle shifters are two levers that can be pressed to change gears. Steering wheel paddles were invented in the eighties of the last century and were first installed on Ferrari and Porsche, and then on other Formula 1 sports cars. And they created such an ultra-fashionable device for changing speed without taking the driver’s hands off the steering wheel. We decided that this would be very convenient for racing car drivers - now they did not need to look at the gearbox. And in the modern world, they are increasingly beginning to appear on ordinary cars with electronics.

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Design and principle of operation

Advantages and disadvantages

The very first and biggest advantage is what the paddles were created for - convenience and speed of gear shifting. You no longer need to lift your hand from the steering wheel and pull the large gearshift lever, just press the paddle with one finger. Because this very petal is right at your fingertips. This is especially convenient when driving fast, for example, abruptly shifting gears while overtaking another car. And also when you need to quickly accelerate.

Another plus is the general appearance of the interior: the petals fit perfectly into the modern design of the car. Agree that most people who buy a new car attach great importance to its appearance.

The disadvantages, although minor, are also present. The main disadvantage is the cost; the price of these levers is quite high.

And another disadvantage is that with the help of the paddles it will no longer be possible to smoothly reduce the speed, as with a manual gearbox. After mechanics, many experienced drivers cannot learn to use such a system and remain dissatisfied with it.

Shifters for manual transmission

In cars with a manual transmission, it was previously impossible to install these same petals. But, as you yourself know, nothing is impossible in the world. And recently, a system was introduced in the USA that replaces a manual gearbox with a transmission with these same paddle shifters. And the designers of the Master Shift company made this discovery at the auto show in Vegas. They left all three pedals in the car, but the gear shift knob doesn't work. Special adapters connect the gearbox to the drive unit, and the opening moment is recorded by a sensor under the pedal. When selecting reverse speed, if the car moves forward, special systems block the electric drive.

As for people's reviews about paddle shifters, opinions are divided into two different camps. Some are convinced that this is the future of all cars, and they can no longer imagine driving a car without this device. Others, on the contrary, believe that it is a waste of money and cannot wean themselves off the gear shift knob.

What can you do? How many people, so many opinions.

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Steering wheel shift paddles - a necessity or just another toy?

Imagine that you have spent your entire life driving the steering wheels of budget cars, and changing gears using a traditional manual gearbox. And suddenly you find yourself in the driver's seat of a modern premium car. The first thing you will see in front of you is a steering wheel covered in expensive leather, behind which strange handles will stick out. These are nothing more than steering wheel gear shift paddles. Although they are called steering column paddles, they are actually located directly behind the steering wheel, not under it.

These devices are designed to simplify the process of driving a car.

So what are these petals for? When did they first appear on cars? What pros and cons do they have?

History of origin

Like many technical solutions familiar to us today, steering wheel shift paddles were born in the world of motorsport. Towards the end of the 80s of the last century, new electromechanical gearboxes began to be installed in Formula 1 cars, instead of the usual mechanical ones. And this allowed manufacturers to use a fundamentally new way of changing gears. Namely, without taking your hands off the steering wheel. After all, in the world of Royal Racing there are such speeds at which you cannot take your eyes off the road even for a second. Otherwise, the racer risks ending up outside the track, stuck in a concrete wall.

The first team to introduce steering column mechanisms was the Italian Ferrari. Having assessed the advantages and safety of the new technical solution, other teams also equipped their cars with similar devices. Since then, Formula 1 drivers have used paddle shifters exclusively.

History of appearance

The spread of petals was preceded by the appearance of a Tiptronic type system.

How do the gear shift paddles work?

Pressing the paddle transmits a signal to the gearbox control unit, after which the automation selects the gear you need. Thus, no switching drives are connected directly to the paddles; everything is controlled electronically. Most often, modern dual-clutch transmissions are equipped with a similar mechanism; paddle shifters are less common on traditional automatic transmissions.

Video about how they work:

Activating the manual shift mode in automatic transmissions occurs in different ways. On some, you just need to immediately press the paddle to change gear. In others, you must first select manual gear changing mode and only after that you will be able to use the paddles.

Principle of operation

During squeezing, a signal is transmitted from the lever to the electronic unit, which activates the automatic transmission solenoids, and the gear ratio changes. The driver of the car can only select the moment of switching, and the computer, using electric drives, will automatically switch on the desired speed. The fact that the drives are not directly connected to the steering column paddles makes it possible to place them anywhere, but the most suitable one is still the steering column paddle. There are alternatives to this design. For example, on the Mazda sixth series, the steering column is equipped not only with a pair of paddles, but also with speed reduction levers on both sides. This is done so that the driver of the car can increase and decrease the speed with one hand.

One-handed operation

Activation of manual control in various designs can occur either by simply pressing the petals, or by selecting this mode on the main selector. If the paddles are not used for a long time, special systems will automatically switch the transmission to normal control mode.

Pros and cons of steering wheel gear shift paddles

Perhaps the biggest advantage of using paddle shifters is that the driver does not have to take his hand off the wheel to quickly downshift when overtaking. Unfortunately, not all modern drivers have the necessary level of skill to control both the situation on the road and the process of changing gear manually. And taking into account the fact that cars are becoming more powerful and faster, paddle shifters are becoming a real panacea for such unfortunate drivers.

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Another plus is that such systems look great. They actually make the car's interior visually more attractive and modern. Some of the paddles look like spaceship controls.

And now about the cons. They are most noticeable to those drivers who like to participate in the process of driving, rather than trusting the computer to do all the work. For such people, switching with a traditional stick is a special ritual, an integral part of all driving. And the trouble is that many car manufacturers today are no longer equipping their models with conventional mechanics, increasingly giving preference to automatic transmissions with the option of manual gear shifting. But nothing can replace the pleasure of competently shifting the throttle on the approach to the next turn and clearly resetting the gear...

Of the minuses, it is also worth noting the high cost of servicing boxes with manual switching modes. However, if you can afford a car worth several million rubles, you are unlikely to care about such trifles. But for those who are used to counting money, this will be a powerful argument.

Advantages and disadvantages of petals

With a paddle shift mechanism, the driver can not be distracted from driving the vehicle and does not have to take his hand off the steering wheel to make maneuvers on the road. This is the main advantage that experts and users of cars with petals highlight. In addition, they look great and transform the interior of the car.

Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages. It's worth starting with the high cost, which can be a strong argument for refusing to buy a car. The user of a vehicle with a paddle mechanism will have to completely entrust the control process to computer systems. And not every driver likes this.

Innovation makes our lives more convenient and safer. They do not need to be rejected or shunned. If you can afford to buy a car with steering wheel paddle shifters to control the transmission, then do just that.

Just imagine, you have always driven ordinary, not too expensive passenger cars. Everything is standard, gears change as usual. Nothing new. And suddenly a fairy flew in, waved her magic wand and you already see yourself sitting in the driver’s seat of a fancy, cool, premium car! The first thing that appears before your eyes is the steering wheel. And what do you see? There are strange handles sticking out from behind the steering wheel. This is not the mistake of a crazy designer, but those same paddle shifters. Before you take a ride in a luxury car, it would be good to figure out what kind of petals these are.

Steering wheel shift paddles: what they are and how to use them

In some new cars, instead of the usual lever, you can see paddle shifters, which are used to change gears. They are small handles conveniently located under the steering wheel.

Most often, such innovation can be found in sports high-speed cars. The Ferrari concern was a pioneer in modernizing this system - the paddle shifters under the steering wheel provided the driver with an advantage, since he did not have to take his attention from the steering wheel to change the speed.

Device

In essence, the paddle shifters are a pair of plastic levers that, when pressed, change gears. They are located under the steering wheel, which is extremely convenient not only for the driver, but also for the passenger in the front seat.

Plastic levers

The convenience of such gear shift paddles is especially felt during active driving, for example, when you need to increase speed while overtaking. In this case, the automation will begin to change speeds in normal mode, and the use of steering wheel paddles will make it possible to spin the engine, changing gears at the limit of its power to increase acceleration. Considering how often accidents occur during overtaking, such paddles are a good help for the driver.

How do paddle shifters work?

The paddle shifters are designed for an electronic transmission, so they can be placed wherever it is convenient for you, but manufacturers by default put them under the steering wheel, believing that this is the optimal place.

When you pull back on the handle, the electronics send a signal to the transmission inductor and the gear shifts. This system is provided in cars with two clutches. You can dispense with the paddles if you are uncomfortable and use the usual automation - the machine itself turns them off when they are not used for a long time in the control.

How to use petals

Many drivers who have changed their car to a more modern version do not know how to use the paddles correctly and simply turn off the manual mode, returning to automatic. Each car has its own handling nuances, but the basic principles are the same.

How to use standard paddle shifters:

When the paddle is pulled down, the car prepares for climbing or braking on sharp descents. To increase the speed, you need to press the “+” lever located on the right, to decrease the speed – “-” located on the left. Pay attention to the control panel screen - the current gear is displayed there.
Move the paddle down or up and the gears will gradually change through the full range.
Press and hold "+" to switch the system from manual to automatic control - in this case the paddles are not used.
Press the gas pedal so that the automation itself selects and sets the optimal speed.
To change to another gear, bypassing the previous ones (for example, from 2 to 4), press “+” or “-” twice, wait a few seconds and press the desired lever again.

From second gear, you can select any speed without touching the clutch, but only by pressing the paddles. They may not respond to requests in several cases:

While holding the steering wheel, you use two paddles at once with random presses, and the speed does not change to the set one.
You are trying to reduce (increase) the speed until the motor reaches the desired threshold.
You hold the lever and simultaneously press the other.
Failure in the system - in this case, the corresponding letter appears on the control panel screen (depending on the car model), and the car returns to the automatic transmission.

Now it is generally clear what the steering wheel paddle shifters are for and how to use them. But each car brand has its own characteristics that are worth learning about before getting behind the wheel and driving a long distance.

The advantages of paddle control include convenience and safety, ease of changing speed. Cars with such a system are easily mastered by beginners in driving.

As for the disadvantages, the main one is the price. Also, experienced drivers do not like the fact that a software robot does everything for them - the paddle shifters only create the illusion of independent control, which is very different from a real manual transmission and, even more so, from a manual transmission. Many people like to drive their own car rather than rely on automation.

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Like an element from a spaceship - petals behind the wheel of a car

Many modern cars do not have the gear shift mechanism that is familiar to us all. This function is transferred to small handles that peek out from behind the steering wheel. They have a slightly strange name that not every driver understands: “steering wheel shift paddles.” This innovation is worth studying in detail, since an increasing number of automakers are equipping their new products with this element.

Using the steering wheel paddles, you can change gear without taking your hand off the wheel

Manual mode as an objective necessity

If we abstract from the issues of accelerating dynamics and increasing productivity, then there is a more practical application for the design of steering column switches. Truck expert Stephen Elmer commented: “When towing a heavy trailer, especially on long inclines or descents, it may be necessary to make shifts, but it is advisable to keep your hands on the steering wheel to maintain control of the vehicle.”

When driving SUVs or crossovers equipped with paddle shifters, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee or , drivers can use the quick shift paddles when approaching a hill to maintain constant acceleration. The opposite is also true: they can manually brake the car when going downhill or approaching a traffic jam. Automation cannot see hills and analyze the upcoming situation, so changing gears in anticipation of an ascent or descent will allow you to use the vehicle's resources more efficiently.

Heuschle explains that engine braking, which is possible, will not damage the expensive transmission. “We are ready, in accordance with customer needs, to equip cars with such switches”

, he said.
“At the same time, the automatic system will not allow you to downshift when the engine speed is close to maximum.”
He added that SRT and ZF carry out a lot of testing to ensure that the transmissions can cope with the rigors of everyday use.

“Endurance tests are carried out manually, which allows us to guarantee a high service life of components and assemblies.”

The designer explained how these tests are carried out and what loads the most critical elements are subjected to.
“We do 50 runs of the strip with the hardest tires and then 50 with the low rolling resistance radials, both teams driving as aggressively as possible.”
It is worth noting that until recently, paddle shifters were the prerogative of automatic transmissions, but this year Master Shift designers presented developments in the field of mechanical ones to the general public. In the car, the clutch pedal is retained, but the stage selection is controlled by electrified steering column switches.

Another example of the feasibility of automating the gear shift process is driving on a snowy road. Most automatics will allow the car to start in second gear rather than first, which will limit the amount of torque sent to the drive wheels and also help prevent wheels from spinning or losing traction in the snow.

Most cars can be equipped with a trail mode that automatically does the same thing, but paddle shifters put the driver in control. According to Heischle, switches are “when you want to be in control of a situation. Driving a car is a labor-intensive process, automation of which allows you to achieve the best results, however, the current level of technology does not yet allow us to fully anticipate all possible situations.”

. And these situations are usually related to driver preferences.

So, if you are not satisfied with the performance of the automatic transmission, do everything yourself, do not be afraid to take control.

They are deprived of the backstage mechanism that is familiar to all of us for changing gears. This function is transferred to small handles that peek out from behind the steering wheel. They have a slightly strange name that not every driver understands: “steering wheel shift paddles.” This innovation is worth studying in detail, since an increasing number of automakers are equipping their new products with this element.

Using the steering wheel paddles, you can change gear without taking your hand off the wheel

How did these strange devices appear?

Many innovations that drivers successfully use have emerged thanks to sports competitions involving sports cars. The same thing happened with the new mechanisms for high-speed shifting, located near the steering wheel. For the first time, steering wheel shift paddles appeared on models of the Italian manufacturer Ferrari. Thanks to these devices, racers received an important advantage over other competitors - the ability to not take their hands off the steering wheel to change gears. All their attention was focused on the road, which increased the chances of winning and increased safety for the driver. Since that time, not only racing drivers began to use steering column systems, but also ordinary drivers received this opportunity by purchasing production models from the modern automobile industry.

This mechanism is presented in the form of a pair of small plastic levers that are located behind the steering wheel. Their use is convenient not only for the driver, but also for the passenger sitting in front.

Operating principle and process of use

When the user presses the paddle, a signal is transmitted to the control system installed in the gearbox. The electronic unit activates the automatic transmission solenoids, resulting in a change in the gear ratio. Automation activates the required gear. There are no drives connected to the petals, since the electronics are responsible for everything. This feature allows you not to be limited in choosing a place to install the petals, but still the most successful and optimal in many respects is the steering column area.

Modern gearboxes with only two clutches can boast of a similar mechanism. Traditional automatic transmissions are equipped with such a system less often. If the steering column transmission control system is not used for a long time, the automatic system turns it off and activates the normal mode for controlling the transmission.

The paddle shifters are plastic levers

The ease of use of the paddle shifter is most felt during active driving. For example, the driver needs to overtake. This maneuver will require a sharp increase in speed. The automatic gear shift mode will work in its usual mode, and the use of the paddles will allow you to increase engine speed and change gears at the maximum power levels of the power unit. This control reduces the likelihood of accidents during overtaking, which often happen with cars with automatic transmission.

Many automakers are working to improve paddle shift mechanisms for controlling automatic transmissions. A successful option was presented by the designers who worked on the Mazda 6. The steering column of this car has not only paddle shifters, but also levers to reduce the speed limit. Thus, the user can fully regulate the speed of his movement with one hand.

Paddle mechanism for manual transmission

Paddle shifters have always been associated with automatic transmissions only. This was a normal phenomenon, and no one even thought about connecting the paddle shifter to a manual transmission. The Americans were surprised when they presented their invention to the public. They replaced the manual transmission with a paddle-shift system. The rocker is not used during driving, but the traditional three pedals remain. Adapters are used to connect the drive and gearbox.

We can expect serial production of such cars, the popularity of which is already beyond doubt.

About the fly in the ointment

First, once again about honey, that is, about the advantages. Of course, the best thing here is that the driver doesn’t even have to take his hand off the steering wheel when overtaking, when he needs to quickly switch gears. Not everyone on the road has mastery of manual control and paddle shifters are a wonderful panacea for them.

And in the end, it's beautiful. It's stylish. The salon looks modern and attractive.

Now about the proverbial fly in the ointment... If you are one of those drivers who would not like to completely trust the electronics, but also to participate to a large extent in the process, then you may not like it. Whatever one may say, time moves forward and technologies become more and more automatic. Everything is done to increase comfort and ease of life. For the drivers described above, it will be like... well, like the pleasure of chopping wood yourself in the presence of a bunch of alternatives created to make your work easier in every possible way.

Another indisputable disadvantage is that it is expensive. This means maintenance, but if you have already afforded such a luxurious car, then it is unlikely that this will be so important to you. Although, all millionaires are different.

We wish you joy from communicating with innovations and do not forget the good old manual control!

These devices are designed to simplify the process of driving a car.

So what are these petals for? When did they first appear on cars? What pros and cons do they have?

Like many technical solutions familiar to us today, steering wheel shift paddles were born in the world of motorsport. Towards the end of the 80s of the last century, new electromechanical gearboxes began to be installed in Formula 1 cars, instead of the usual mechanical ones. And this allowed manufacturers to use a fundamentally new way of changing gears. Namely, without taking your hands off the steering wheel. After all, such speeds reign in the world of Royal Racing. where you can’t take your eyes off the road even for a second. Otherwise, the racer risks ending up outside the track, stuck in a concrete wall.

Pressing the paddle transmits a signal to the gearbox control unit. after which the automation sets the gear you need. Thus, no switching drives are connected directly to the paddles; everything is controlled electronically. Most often, modern dual-clutch transmissions are equipped with a similar mechanism; paddle shifters are less common on traditional automatic transmissions.

Video about how they work:

Pros and cons of steering wheel gear shift paddles

Another plus is that such systems look great. They actually make the car's interior visually more attractive and modern. Some of the paddles look like spaceship controls.

PS Write to us in the comments, have you ever had to deal with petals? If yes, please describe your impressions.

Not all drivers can answer the question - steering wheel shift paddles - what are they and why are they more convenient than conventional systems? Let's try to fill this gap and tell you in more detail about this gear shift system, since, according to many, they have a great future.

The idea of placing gear shift levers on the steering wheel was first implemented on sports cars. Similar designs appeared in the eighties of the last century on cars participating in Formula 1 races. The very first team to install paddle shifters on a racing car was Ferrari. Later, these systems began to be installed on racing cars of other brands, and after some time they appeared on ordinary production cars.

The petal design of gears began to be used more actively after the advent of systems like Tiptronic. This auxiliary automatic transmission option provides the ability to change the gear ratio at the discretion of the driver. The driver selects the required speed, and Tiptronic directly engages the desired gear. The automatic transmission selector, equipped with the Tiptronic transmission system, has an additional track where the lever moves and manual gear shifting is activated. Such transmission systems first began to be installed in the early nineties on some Porsche models.

Until recently, paddle shifters were only installed on automatic transmissions. But the designers of Master Shift from the United States demonstrated an innovative and quite promising concept in this direction at the auto show in Las Vegas. Their invention makes it possible to replace a manual transmission with a system with steering wheel paddle shifters. Three pedals remain in the car, but the traditional manual transmission stick is not used. The drive unit and the box are connected via adapters. Under the clutch pedal there is a special sensor that detects the release of the discs, and then using the paddle, the required gear is selected. After depressing the clutch pedal, the discs are separated, the electric drive supplies the required stage and the discs are closed.

The designers installed special systems that block the electric drive when selecting reverse speed if the car is moving forward.

It is likely that in the near future cars equipped with such a gear shift system will be mass-produced.

This video shows how a Mazda 6 is controlled using the steering wheel paddles.

Paddle shifters are another way to change gearbox speeds

The spread of petals was preceded by the appearance of a Tiptronic type system.

Essentially, these paddles are two plastic levers that you can press to change gears. They are located on the steering column, which is very convenient for both the driver and the passenger.

Considering how often accidents occur when overtaking, the paddle shifters really seem like a breath of fresh air for the motorist.

There are variations of such systems:

The developers have provided special systems that block the electric drive when selecting reverse gear when moving forward at a speed of over 1.6 km/h.

It is quite possible that cars with a similar gear shift system will soon go into mass production.

Today, most ordinary low-budget cars seen on city roads are equipped with a conventional gearbox. But as soon as you sit behind the wheel of one of the expensive cars, you will immediately notice the rather unusual small handles sticking out behind the steering wheel. These are the steering wheel gear shift paddles. True, they are located not under the steering wheel, but directly behind it.

Today we will tell you about what paddle shifters are for, when they were first installed on production cars, all the advantages and disadvantages, as well as how to use paddle shifters.