How to use manual shift mode on an automatic car.
Most automatic cars today include manual and sport modes, but many new drivers still don't know how to use these modes in various driving situations.
Automatic cars are becoming increasingly popular in Vietnam. Many current models, such as the Honda City, are having their manual transmission versions discontinued by the manufacturer, focusing instead on upgrading to automatic versions with manual or sport modes to ensure a sporty driving experience.
Many automatic cars today come with manual shift and sport modes. |
Manual shift mode on automatic cars
For those new to cars, manual shifting on an automatic transmission might sound quite complicated. However, essentially, this function allows the driver to use the gear lever or paddle shifters to change between gears 1, 2, 3, 4... as desired, rather than leaving the automatic shifting to the car as in D mode.
Currently, the manual mode equipped on automatic transmission vehicles is usually divided into three types by manufacturers. On some older vehicles, the manual shifting mode is limited to only a few gears (1, 2 or 1, 2, 3), while most others use a semi-automatic shifting mode (+/-) via the gear lever or paddle shifters integrated on the steering wheel.
Manual or semi-automatic shifting modes are usually indicated by the +/- sign, the letter M (Manual), or S (Sport). |
On most modern cars, the manual or semi-automatic shifting mode is indicated by the +/- symbol for easy identification. Some sportier cars may use the letter M (Manual) or S (Sport) for this purpose. When shifting from D to (+/-) or M/S to semi-automatic mode, the driver can manually switch between gears, similar to a manual transmission, by pushing the lever to (+) to upshift or to (-) to downshift.
Of course, in this mode, the driver must keep their hand on the gear lever, just like in a manual transmission, to control the gears according to driving conditions. Switching between D and manual mode (+/-) can be done even while the car is moving.
Some car models are equipped with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. |
For vehicles with paddle shifters on the steering wheel, when semi-automatic mode is activated, the driver simply flicks the (+) paddle on the right to shift up, or the (-) paddle on the left to shift down. The gear selected by the driver during shifting will be displayed on the instrument panel. This allows the driver to select the appropriate gear while driving without taking their hands off the steering wheel, thus helping to maintain concentration while driving.
In addition, some car models, besides the D mode, also have a manual shifting mode limited to gears 1, 2, or labeled L, 2, 3. L (Low) refers to the lowest gear, corresponding to gear 1. Shifting between these gears is done using the gear lever.
When to use manual shifting mode?
According to a technical expert from an automotive company, the semi-automatic mode with manual shifting not only contributes to an exhilarating sporty driving experience but is also suitable for use in various operating conditions to ensure safety and maximize the vehicle's power.
The semi-automatic mode with manual shifting is often used when you need to accelerate or overtake other vehicles. |
In fact, experienced drivers say that automatic cars with manual shifting modes, while not quite matching the feel of a manual transmission, offer a certain level of excitement and convenience. With some models that have paddle shifters on the steering wheel, drivers can still feel the power, the engine's responsiveness, and the changes in engine speed when shifting gears.
However, some novice drivers, accustomed to driving automatic cars in D mode, often ignore the manual shifting function. Hoang Thang, who drives a Honda City, said: "I rarely use the manual shifting mode. When I first bought the car, I saw the paddle shifters and tried them out. Because I wasn't used to it, sometimes shifting gears felt like the engine roared and the car jerked. Since I only usually drive in the city and occasionally go on long trips, I often drive in D mode for comfort and safety."
Using the semi-automatic manual mode will help drivers master the gear changes. |
Semi-automatic mode, manual mode, or sport mode are commonly used by many drivers on highways. In practice, when needing to overtake vehicles ahead, the engine needs to generate power to accelerate. At this time, manual mode is often used by drivers to shift to lower gears, optimizing power output and torque for easier acceleration.
Furthermore, when driving on steep mountain roads, if in D mode, the vehicle tends to accelerate due to inertia as it descends, forcing the driver to use the brakes more frequently. Frequent braking can cause the brakes to overheat, easily leading to brake pad burnout and brake failure. Therefore, when descending long mountain passes, experienced drivers often switch to semi-automatic mode, using a lower gear to apply engine braking to slow the vehicle down and reduce the need for excessive braking.
When using semi-automatic or sport mode, drivers should pay attention to shifting gears appropriately according to the engine's RPM range. |
Furthermore, when driving on challenging terrain, automatic transmissions in D mode often react quite slowly to changes in the terrain. Therefore, using semi-automatic manual mode allows the driver to control the gears, thereby maximizing engine power and making it easier for the vehicle to overcome difficult conditions.