[adi555]

How often do you use it? I haven't used it ever since I bought. What's are pros/cons of using this?

[00max00]

Pros: something to do when get bored of driving. Nothing else.
Cons: none, you can always go back in auto mode.

[ttimbo]

I tend to use them when I am pressing on, and need precise downshifts/upshifts for engine braking/cornering. So, especially in the hilly twisties

[808X1]

I tend to use them for better control of the rpm when up shifting/down shifting during spirited twisty runs.

[landrumdh]

Rarely, I'm more likely to slap the gear shift into S and floor it.

[dianebrat]

Originally Posted by adi555

What's are pros/cons of using this?

You get to pretend you're driving a racecar

[alex2112]

I use the paddles quite often, every time I drive actually. This is the first automatic I've owned so far, only having driven manuals before this. I use the downshift paddle to increase engine braking when going down hills or to anticipate slower traffic ahead of me so that I don't have to use the brakes. I also use the downshift paddle when I know I'm about to merge into faster moving traffic or when I'm going to pass. Even with today's quick responding automatics, I've yet to drive one that feels fast enough for me to only rely on mashing the accelerator for downshifts. They all take that split second to figure out what I want.

[lonegun]

I use it every time I drive as well. It is pretty much the only way to drive in sports mode while maintaining the Eco mode gas usage. It allows you to shift up faster to save gas, and shift down earlier before turns or overtake. Computers just ain’t smart enough to do sports and eco mode in the same time, but you can if you know what you are doing.

Warning though, high load at low RPM can create engine damage for turbo cars. Meaning you don’t want to floor it at low rpm, but shift down first before doing that. With paddle, you have to understand the car better without damaging the engine and transmission.

I even added an elongated metal paddle shifters, which I highly recommend both visually and functionally. You can find those on eBay and aliexpress.

[808X1]

Originally Posted by lonegun

I even added an elongated metal paddle shifters, which I highly recommend both visually and functionally. You can find those on eBay and aliexpress.

Agreed. The elongated metal paddles do make a difference in feel and ergonomics while shifting. I would recommend those as well