{"id":58457,"date":"2023-06-02T23:21:31","date_gmt":"2023-06-02T22:21:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carmart.africa\/blog\/?p=58457"},"modified":"2023-06-02T23:21:31","modified_gmt":"2023-06-02T22:21:31","slug":"can-you-drive-manual-mode-in-an-automatic-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carlots.ng\/motoring\/can-you-drive-manual-mode-in-an-automatic-car\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Drive Manual Mode in an Automatic Car?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Did you know you could use manual mode even while driving an automatic car<\/a>? Surprising? Well, here\u2019s what you should know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an automatic car, there\u2019s a \u201cplus<\/strong>\u201d and \u201cminus<\/strong>\u201d symbols on the car\u2019s automatic shifter. If you\u2019ve not seen it, they are usually the paddles behind the steering wheel. Their function is to put the car into \u201cmanual mode,\u201d in which you can shift the car\u2019s transmission at will, as you would with a genuine stick shift. However, there is a correct way to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Would You Want to Use Manual Mode in Automatic Car?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Driving a car in manual mode<\/a> gives the driver better control over the driving experience than in automatic mode. In normal automatic mode, the car\u2019s transmission is controlled by a computer to maximize fuel efficiency and drivability. However, in manual mode, the driver takes over and controls the engine at will. Even though this affects the car\u2019s fuel economy, it makes it more fun to drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although automatic cars are now everywhere, there are still trucks and SUVs that have a manual mode. It is useful when towing or going down a steep hill. In those applications, performance driving isn\u2019t the main reason for using manual mode. Instead, it prevents the vehicle from upshifting too soon, which would make it towing a little more difficult in some scenarios. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shifting to the Lower Gears Gives You More Control<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The transmission will usually pick higher gears by default when driving a car through twisty, bumpy, or steep roads in automatic mode<\/a>. This often hinders the car\u2019s performance when coming out of a corner as the transmission will be in too high of a gear \u2013 fifth gear instead of third, for example.  However, by using manual mode and shifting the car into its lower gears, you\u2019ll gain more control over it in the corners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After making the turn, you\u2019ll be able to power out of the corners at a higher range and shift to the next gear by just flicking the paddle. It\u2019s the same control you feel when driving a manual transmission car spiritedly but without needing a clutch pedal to step on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When and Where to Use Manual Mode<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you plan on using the manual mode in your car, the best place to use it is on a race track or open winding roads. That way, you can effectively use the car as if it were equipped with a manual shift and enjoy the experience even better. You can also use it when driving normally, but using the manual mode of an automatic car while driving regularly is not recommended by car experts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shifting will feel unnecessary, and the lack of a clutch pedal doesn\u2019t make the experience as engaging as you would like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n