How To Learn To Use Paddle Shifters?

[damships]

Hey everyone!

So I have a 2018 GT and I’ve honestly never driven a manual in my life (I know that must be blasphemy on here lol). Obviously the paddle shifters aren’t a great representation of driving manual, but I’d definitely be interested in learning how to use them. I’ve heard it makes the driving experience a little more fun. Does anyone know of any videos of how to use the paddle shifters on the 2018+ models? I wish there was a “How To Use Paddle Shifters For Dummies”. I just don’t want to mess up the transmission and such learning. No clue when to upshift or downshift etc. If anyone has any material or videos to help me learn it would be appreciated.

Also, thanks to everyone for being so awesome on here. You’ve been super helpful with my noob questions.

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[Ed M]

RTFM page 148. It isn’t magic.

 

[FruityJudy]

Left paddle shifts down, right shifts up. The computer on an automatic car in manual mode is going to make sure you arent going to mess up anything. Just shift it up or down based off of feel or sound. Just dont forget to shift or you will be bouncing off the redline. There is not really a certain rpm to shift at, just adjust accordingly to how you are driving

 

[TheReaper]

I'm really good with the paddles I've only hit the rev limiter 15 times in 1800 miles.

 

[NoVaGT]

 

[tcman54]

Like FruityJudy said, there are so many safeguards that Ford has built in that's it's almost impossible to screw anything up.

Just put it in sport mode and tap a paddle, at that point depending on your speed the gear is pre-selected if you will, then from there paddle shift up or down for desired affect, lol.

I will say one thing, if you top out a gear at least on my ecoboost the engine goes into a very loud and high spinning rev sequence, kind of annoying.

TC

 

[w3rkn]

Hey everyone!

So I have a 2018 GT and I’ve honestly never driven a manual in my life (I know that must be blasphemy on here lol). Obviously the paddle shifters aren’t a great representation of driving manual, but I’d definitely be interested in learning how to use them. I’ve heard it makes the driving experience a little more fun. Does anyone know of any videos of how to use the paddle shifters on the 2018+ models? I wish there was a “How To Use Paddle Shifters For Dummies”. I just don’t want to mess up the transmission and such learning. No clue when to upshift or downshift etc. If anyone has any material or videos to help me learn it would be appreciated.

Also, thanks to everyone for being so awesome on here. You’ve been super helpful with my noob questions.

This is actually a really good question/thread..!

There are many things to remember, or figure out.... but if it ever gets too frustrating, etc. Remember that you can always let the transmission take back over shifting. (holding both paddles for 5sec?)


After reading the owner's manual...
My rec is to not try and use the paddles for the first months and just pay attention to how (& what gear) the auto is using. And then see if you can try and mimic that for smooth daily paddling up & down the highways/roadways. Practive that for months.

Then you are ready for sport(ier) shifting, etc. (drag mode)

 

[lacanteen]

I use my paddles mostly down shifting instead of using brake. I like to preserve my MPGs for the occasional WOT/100 MPH burst, then we coast for a mile or three.

 

[Dfeeds]

You want to learn how to paddle shift? Grab any racing game for whatever gaming system you own, buy a wheel, and set the game to manual. Have at it.

 

[FruityJudy]

If I am not in city traffic I use my paddles nearly all the time. Sometimes I like to pass cars etc but dont want it down shifting two gears and looking like a douche. The main difference between a manual and an automatic is the manual knows ahead of time what you are going to do/need to do since it works off your eyesight and brain and an automatic just uses a computer table and responds to your foot positioning

 

[JohnD]

I'm really good with the paddles I've only hit the rev limiter 15 times in 1800 miles.

Yeah, but the 14 times you did it on purpose don't count!

 

[Zinc03svt]

Quit trying to be a hero and let the A10 do it’s work...

 

[damships]

RTFM page 148. It isn’t magic.

It’s definitely not magic. But I’m sure I’d learn more about paddle shifting from a Harry Potter book than your reply.

Yup, probably best not to say anything rude considering I already said I’m new to all of this. Good work.

Quit trying to be a hero and let the A10 do it’s work...

I didn’t know trying to learn something new for myself...on the vehicle I purchased...was me trying to be a hero? Hmm. You learn something new everyday.

The smart-aleck responses on a newbie post were much appreciated. Thanks! ;-)

 

[damships]

Thanks everyone who responded with constructive feedback! Definitely looking forward to trying to learn it. I’ll try and practice on the weekends.

 

[Rover]

The only thing I don't like about the paddle shifters is they move with the wheel. I tend to move my hands on the wheel, taking a deep hold to pull the wheel further. So for me and my silly way of driving the paddle shifters could be not where I need them in a hard corner. My stick is always in the same place I know somebody's going to say I'm driving wrong but hey - it's my car dammit

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