#^$*ing Brain Doesn't Work!!!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville Alabama
#^$*ing Brain Doesn't Work!!!
I've driven manual cars all of my life. As with anything it becomes second nature. I've forgotten all of the technical aspects of driving a stick such as "what rpm to shift at" or "what gear I should be in at a certain speed". I JUST DROVE!!! Now I have an A6 and tried paddle shifting but my brain just will not allow me to make that connection. I tried imagining that I was driving a manual but no luck. WHat am I doing wrong?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 762
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida Sunshine State
I think having the paddle shifters on the wheel just doesn't work well with our bodies' coordination. My wife's IS250 allows both paddle and console gearshift shifting; the gearshift is much more intuitive to me.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 785
From: Las Vegas NV
I tried a paddle shift equipped car once that I was renting and got all screwed around too. I kept letting off the gas and trying to push a clutch that wasn't there. I finally just left it in drive.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
I had test driven an A6 w/ paddle shifters to see if I'd like it (since they shift so fast). It totally messed with me and I just couldn't see myself getting used to it.
I've only driven 2 paddle shift cars (VW GTI and 2008 Vette), but with both I just put them in Auto since it was too unnatural to shift.
I'm on board with Car & Driver: Save the Manuals!
I've only driven 2 paddle shift cars (VW GTI and 2008 Vette), but with both I just put them in Auto since it was too unnatural to shift.
I'm on board with Car & Driver: Save the Manuals!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville Alabama
Racer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 341
Likes: 1
From: Riverside CA
I've driven manual cars all of my life. As with anything it becomes second nature. I've forgotten all of the technical aspects of driving a stick such as "what rpm to shift at" or "what gear I should be in at a certain speed". I JUST DROVE!!! Now I have an A6 and tried paddle shifting but my brain just will not allow me to make that connection. I tried imagining that I was driving a manual but no luck. WHat am I doing wrong?
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Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Rochester, NY
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,009
Likes: 2,707
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
I have the same problem. Driving the paddles seems natural if I'm shifting frequently on a twisty road. But in traffic, it' sooooo unnatural.
But overall, I still like the paddles.
But overall, I still like the paddles.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville Alabama
I'm really interested in learning how to do it. I was in 2nd gear at about 40mph and then I punched it. I almost broke my neck!!
That lag time that's usually there when in drive was totally gone. It took off like a bat outta hell and I loved it. I guess I just need to go back to the basics. At what rpm should I be shifting? 
That lag time that's usually there when in drive was totally gone. It took off like a bat outta hell and I loved it. I guess I just need to go back to the basics. At what rpm should I be shifting?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
If you want to use the paddles, just watch the tach and shift when you think you need to - probably about 3000 to 3500 rpm. Eventually, you'll get used to the sound telling you when to shift.
After I'd had mine awhile, I quit using the paddles. Just put it in "S" mode and let it do the shifting. Even if you're not going to use the paddles, the advantage of driving in "S" mode is that the tranny will hold the lower gears a little longer if you're getting on the throttle a little.
After I'd had mine awhile, I quit using the paddles. Just put it in "S" mode and let it do the shifting. Even if you're not going to use the paddles, the advantage of driving in "S" mode is that the tranny will hold the lower gears a little longer if you're getting on the throttle a little.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,913
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From: El Segundo California
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Just keep playing around, it will become more intuitive as time goes on.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville Alabama
If you want to use the paddles, just watch the tach and shift when you think you need to - probably about 3000 to 3500 rpm. Eventually, you'll get used to the sound telling you when to shift.After I'd had mine awhile, I quit using the paddles. Just put it in "S" mode and let it do the shifting. Even if you're not going to use the paddles, the advantage of driving in "S" mode is that the tranny will hold the lower gears a little longer if you're getting on the throttle a little.
