Steering wheel shift paddles are special levers that help the car driver quickly change gears. They are usually found in cars with any type of automatic transmission. Shifters were widely used in sports cars, but now they are becoming an expensive option for almost any car.
Paddle shifters are usually located directly under the steering wheel. They are mounted on the steering wheel itself, so when turning, you can easily find them without even looking at the steering wheel area. Many drivers who have already tried driving a car with paddle shifters say that they would never buy a car without this option.
Today we will try to find out whether this feature is really worth your money and how it works on different cars and with different types of transmissions.
How are paddle shifters useful?
They mainly help you select a gear while driving. If you feel the car is moving too slow, simply use the shifter to downshift and get better acceleration. If you feel the engine revs too much, use the shifter on the opposite side to shift into higher gears. This way the engine will operate at lower speeds and provide the same speed.
The paddles are connected to an electronic system that interacts with the gearbox. As soon as you pull the steering wheel paddle, the electronic system will send a signal to the gearbox and the mechanism will change gear according to your needs. It's really very simple.
Sequential gearbox: design, advantages and myths
In our review of the most dynamic road car from Lotus, presented at the end of June 2015 at Goodwood, you might have noticed the presence of a sequential gearbox, which has long been an integral attribute of sports and supercars.
Since some Karakum residents are interested in the structure and features of this type of gearbox, I will tell you about it. Sequential gearbox
differs in the ability to only sequentially switch between gears.
In other words, the driver can move only one gear higher or lower than the one in use, without jumping through the rest, as can be done in a classic manual transmission with a search shift principle.
I propose to get acquainted with this type of gearbox in more detail and dispel a couple of misconceptions associated with sequential gearboxes.
Operating principle of a sequential gearbox
As we have already found out, the gears of this type of transmission are switched only one by one, in a strictly specified sequence. And since the sequential gearbox is built on the basis of a manual gearbox, we will make references based on the principle of operation specifically to the manual gearbox.
Firstly
, the sequential gearbox is characterized by the absence of a clutch pedal, which will primarily please less experienced drivers. This makes driving a car much easier, because constantly dancing with your left foot on the clutch pedal, frankly speaking, is not an acquired taste.
The clutch is controlled not by the driver, but by an electronic unit that receives a signal from sensors that read the press on the gas pedal and directly engage a specific gear. As they say, it's a matter of technique.
When the box receives a command from the electronic unit, a new signal about the used vehicle speed is transmitted to the progressive unit using special sensors. The progressive block is the last resort where the speed limit is adjusted based on various indicators: from engine speed to air conditioning operation.
Video demonstrating the operation of a sequential gearbox. How quickly the speeds change!
Secondly
, the sequential gearbox uses spur gears. They produce a higher efficiency when compared with helical gears from a manual transmission. This is because helical gears have more friction losses.
But spur gears are also capable of transmitting less torque, so sequential gearboxes often use larger gears to compensate for this disadvantage.
And finally, the third distinctive feature
A sequential transmission is the presence of hydraulic servos, with the help of which the gears are switched.
Nowadays, hydraulic servos are often associated with robotic gearboxes, but this is not the case. The latter uses electric ones. Evgeniy Travnikov talks about one of the options for the sequential gearbox in his video:
Advantages and disadvantages of the sequential gearbox
Now that we have an idea of the operating principle of the mentioned transmission, let's figure out what to expect from it. Advantages:
1. High speed and ease of switching
between gears.
Thanks to the presence of an electronic control unit and a hydraulic mechanism, switching times are reduced to 150 milliseconds, which plays a significant role in professional motorsport.
None of the classic transmissions, both mechanical and automatic, can boast of faster gear shifting.
In addition, with a sequential gearbox, you will not frantically try to get to the desired speed, rushing with all your horsepower around the ring, when high load and shaking with vibration prevents you from keeping the car on the correct trajectory.
2. There is no loss of speed when switching.
3. Economical fuel consumption.
The last two points are rather a consequence of the first, but we cannot help but take this into account, giving credit to the sequential checkpoint.
4. Possibility of switching using steering wheel paddles.
Yes, this technology, so loved by real racers, was discovered thanks to the sequential shift mechanism.
How to use the paddle shifters?
This question is quite difficult to answer briefly. Each car may have its own settings and features of using the steering wheel paddle shifters. One car will allow you to automatically switch between manual and automatic modes, the other will require you to manually select the driving mode. One car will help you choose gears wisely using automatic transmission, while another will force you to rely only on your choice. One box will quickly switch to the desired gear, the other will make you wait.
But there are still general instructions on how to use paddle switches:
- Start the car.
- Press the brake pedal.
- Place the gear shift lever in driving mode.
- Place the gear shift lever into manual mode.
- Start using steering wheel paddle shifters.
Typically, the right paddle shifter is for shifting up 1 gear, and the left paddle is for shifting down 1 gear. Press the paddle twice and you change two gears at once.
When the shift lever is in manual mode, the automatic transmission will stop shifting until you use the paddle shifters or the shift lever.
Gear shift lever study design and problems video
Sometimes a motorist is faced with the question of why the gear shift lever dangles, but before answering it, you should clearly understand what this gearbox element is, its structure and what functions it performs.
A feature of all manual gearboxes is the need to manually operate the lever. We can assume that it is precisely this that performs the most important function in determining the speed limit of your movement.
This means that without it, driving a vehicle becomes simply impossible.
The gear shift lever handle is connected to the synchronizer via a fork, the position of which transmits information about the number of the selected speed.
The synchronizer sets the gears of the gearbox so that the generated engine power allows the car to move at a given speed.
When the position of the lever corresponds to neutral gear, it is held in place by springs. The gear shift pattern is often depicted on the head of the lever.
How can the gear shift lever be positioned?
The location of the gearbox levers can be either floor-mounted or steering column mounted. And despite the fact that the latter is considered more convenient to use, nevertheless, in most cases, car manufacturers prefer the first option.
This is due to some disadvantages of the steering column arrangement, including: low speed and clarity, the likelihood of incomplete gear engagement, the rods wear out much faster, sometimes they can jam, as well as “knocking out” the gear.
But in both cases, the design of the gear shift lever remains the same.
Therefore, with a floor arrangement, nothing will change significantly in the design, but there will be noticeably fewer breakdowns.
Shift lever squeak and other problems
From all of the above, it is clear that this part is one of the most important in the entire gearbox, and if it fails, then driving such a vehicle becomes life-threatening.
The most common reasons why such an emergency can occur are either mechanical damage or the consequences of incorrect operation.
Here are a few breakdowns that you can easily detect on your own.
You should know that the gear shift knob should move freely, without jamming.
If spontaneous shutdown occurs, then you should definitely check the spring; it is quite possible that it simply jumped off.
How to repair a gear shift lever?
In any case, no matter what happens, repairing the gear shift lever involves replacing failed parts, and without completely removing it it will be impossible to do this.
For this purpose, the plastic protective plate is dismantled and the hinge cage is released. After which it is necessary to move the jet rod to the side and remove the entire lever.
But in order to free up access to all the plastic bushings and axles, it is necessary to remove the cover for the gear shift lever.
The thrusts change as follows. There is a clamp at the bottom of the car; you should loosen it. Next you need to disconnect it from the hinges and, by unscrewing the fastening nut, you can freely pull out the rod.
Installation of the new one is carried out in the reverse order. Thus, having replaced all damaged elements with new ones, you can drive safely.
At the same time, do not forget that periodically it is necessary to adjust the gear shift lever.
How to drive correctly with paddle shifters?
The ability to manually change gears allows the driver to control the acceleration of the car, select the desired driving mode, and, if necessary, achieve better dynamics. But you should know some rules in order to use the option effectively and safely for your car.
First, try not to accelerate the engine to the red zone of the tachometer. If you frequently rev your car's engine to maximum speed, it will begin to wear out quickly. For frequent use of sport mode, you need to prepare the car using special oil, as well as ensuring better engine cooling. For most vehicles, the optimal speed is between 1500 and 2000 rpm when driving at a constant speed. If you rev the engine to 5,000 rpm or more, you will shorten its life. It is believed that shifting gears at 2500 rpm will be optimal in terms of efficiency.
If you want to save fuel, you can rev it up to just 1,500 rpm and shift into a higher gear. But let’s say right away that this will not help you save money. Thus, you only increase the load on the engine and its service life is reduced. Fuel consumption will remain the same as in the optimal gear shift mode.
Of course, you need to understand what engine is installed in your car. The rules will be different for 5-liter engines and for 1-liter turbocharged internal combustion engines. The smaller the engine size, the more revolutions will be required for normal acceleration of the car.
Before switching to manual mode, read the vehicle's operating instructions and find out what speed the manufacturer recommends as optimal for changing gears on your engine. This will help you understand when to upshift and downshift using the paddle shifters.
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.
What cars have paddle shifters?
There are hundreds of cars that can be equipped with paddle shifters. But usually this option is offered for additional money. In many cars, you will be able to manually select gear on an automatic transmission using the gear lever, but this is often not as convenient. The paddle shifters provide a race car feel and allow you to change gears with one easy flick of the paddle.
At the end of the article we will describe a group of car manufacturers with their offerings of steering wheel mounted switches, but for now let's talk a little about the system itself.
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.
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Which gearboxes can have paddle shifters?
Obviously, automatic transmissions can offer you the ability to change gears using those handy paddle shifters. But you might be surprised to know that manual transmissions can also have paddle shifters. They are usually found on racing cars. These transmissions will still require a clutch pedal, but it will only be used when starting and stopping. There are no production cars with this manual transmission option.
All types of automatic transmissions can have steering wheel shift paddles. Classic automatic transmissions like Ford's Select Shift, robotic transmissions like PowerShift, and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) can all have paddle shifters.
You may ask, how can CVTs even have paddle shifters if they don’t have gears as such? In this case, the steering column switch changes the transmission operating mode. When you press minus, the transmission makes the engine rev higher so you have more torque for faster acceleration.
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.
How to do engine braking using paddle shifters?
Engine braking generally doesn't work well with automatic transmissions. But paddle shifters turn the automatic transmission into a partially manual transmission, so engine braking is possible.
Again, in different cars you will have different ways of engine braking. You may need this when driving up and down hills, for example.
The idea is quite simple:
- remove your right foot from the accelerator pedal;
- Pull the minus stalk on the steering wheel to shift down one gear;
- As soon as the engine speed approaches 2000, pull the minus blade again;
- If necessary, continue to do this using the brake pedal.
CVT transmissions must have engine braking enabled. For example, in Honda cars, to turn it on, you need to pull both steering column switches and hold them for several seconds. L mode is activated and the car simulates engine braking. To turn off this mode, simply pull both blades and hold them again.
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:
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:
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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How to install steering column switches?
Paddle shifters have become a very popular idea, which is why many car owners are wondering if they can install them in their cars. This is likely possible if your car model and modification has steering wheel paddle shifters as an option from the manufacturer. Otherwise, all the headache and money is not worth it.
You won't be able to get the shifters to work properly without major changes to the transmission control computer system. It is difficult to even estimate the budget for such a change.
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.
How do paddle shifters work in different cars?
In a BMW, you don't have to select manual mode to engage the steering wheel paddle shifters. They are always active. If you want to overtake someone on the road, just pull the left paddle to downshift and start accelerating faster. After about 30 seconds the car will return to automatic mode. Then, if you want to go into Sport mode (DS), just start using the paddle shifters. The engine computer will not allow you to go beyond safe speed limits, so it is almost impossible to damage the engine and transmission. The BMW Steptronic transmission is considered the ideal option for steering wheel paddle shifters.
Subaru CVT transmissions also have steering wheel paddle shifters. To allow drivers to use the functions of a manual transmission, the manufacturer has created a kind of imitation of 6 gears in a CVT transmission. When you start using paddle shifters in your Subaru, you will experience a completely different car behavior.
In the Mini Cooper, you can use the paddles in both Drive and Sport modes. However, there are some differences. In Drive mode, the transmission will gain full shift control 15 to 20 seconds after you've downshifted or upshifted it using the paddle shifter. In Sport mode, touching the paddles takes you into full manual mode. The computer only makes sure that you do not cause any harm to the engine and gearbox.
In Mercedes cars, the steering wheel paddle shifters are activated as soon as you pull one of them in Drive mode. The display will begin to show useful information so you can shift more efficiently. The computer will still work to maintain optimal engine speed.
There are many other manufacturers that install paddle shifters on their vehicles. But almost all of them work the same way as the types described above.
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.
Design features and scope of application
The idea itself of moving the automatic transmission shift lever to the steering column is not at all new; since the middle of the last century in the USA, the vast majority of cars have been equipped with just such a mechanism. So the paddle shifters are just a logical development of the design in accordance with modern realities.
In most cases, this innovative approach does not find sufficient support in the form of consumer demand, because people are not willing to change their own habits. The fact is that on a subconscious level, questions arise, first of all, about the reliability of the design, as well as the possibility of using traditional turn signals and the risk of touching the gear shift lever.
“In any case, a certain percentage of buyers will want to buy a car with this design.”
, says Erich Heuschle, engineer at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. He works on FCA's SRT racing brand with the people responsible for creating cars like the 707-horsepower Dodge Hellcat. Heuschle is also one of FCA's elite group of engineers, which was created to test designed vehicles to their limits. That is, he has the right to make his proposals to the design until it meets his high requirements. “Transmission paddles are now perceived more as a luxury or driving feature rather than a high-performance design, thanks to the refined nature of the automatic.”
, - he said.
“We put a lot of effort into ensuring that the automation functions perfectly.”
In most cars, such switches are used to facilitate the control process and quickly select the desired gear. As a rule, the lever on the right side of the steering wheel is used to change to an upshift, and on the left - to a downshift. Cars equipped with an automatic transmission may have other methods of shifting, for example using buttons on the selector, or switching to manual mode and selecting a gear using a lever.
“You can use the paddle shifters together with cruise control, which will allow you to keep the engine at a strictly defined speed”
, Heuschle explained, adding that performance may be the most popular reason for using such a mechanism. It is worth noting that he has extensive experience in designing sports cars, so the technical side of the issue is rather determined by the desire to realize the full potential of the car being created.
He said that in automatic mode, the eight-speed ZF found in the Challenger SRT Hellcat is capable of shifts in just 160 milliseconds, which is quite fast and can even rival some dual-clutch cars that are often cited as the fastest vehicles on sale.
For reference, the Bugatti Veyron can move from a standstill in 8 ms, while the Nissan GTR does it in 150 ms. But sport and the pursuit of record performance are not the only areas of application for steering wheel-mounted gearbox controls.
In fact, Heuschle explained that most of the statistics SRT cites in its releases are achieved with the car in automatic mode. “I want shifters to be completely unnecessary,” he said, explaining that manual shifting may not be the most efficient for such cars. “On the tracks where we test our products, this is an unnecessary feature. But again, not all roads are like our model test sites, which results in the continued need to use manual switches.”
He also explained that at the race strip, where the SRT Hellcat is the leader in most metrics, automatic mode is the fastest method of getting to the finish line. The Hellcat accelerates from zero to 60 mph in the middle of its third-gear operating range. And the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) has documented an official quarter-mile time of 11.2 seconds with civilian tires or 10.8 seconds with low-rolling-resistance radials. "The Hellcat is NHRA-certified operating exclusively in automatic mode." Heuschle said.
