Using Paddle Shifters

[Riverstyx]

Recently started experimenting using the paddle shifters in the sport transmission detente. What are the best practices I need to know about using paddle shifters? I have never driven a manual car, and my entire knowledge of gears come from dirt bikes. With a CVT, should I be worried about causing engine damage by running the RPMs too high? I know that the car will just automatically just shift up for you, but I still just question it when I drive around. Ofc, regularly, I’m driving in the normal transmission mode and not slamming the gas (which I understand you shouldn’t do with a CVT), but if I want to enjoy the car and use the paddle shifters every now and then, what should I know? Thanks for any insight.

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[Car00071]

Honestly you should be fine keeping the car in the higher rpms, a lot of manual drivers do this all the time. I’m not sure about wear on the Cvt or anything but it should all be fine at stock power. It’s designed to be.

 

[Riverstyx]

Honestly you should be fine keeping the car in the higher rpms, a lot of manual drivers do this all the time. I’m not sure about wear on the Cvt or anything but it should all be fine at stock power. It’s designed to be.

Thank you for the input!

 

[RobbJK]

The CVT like any automatic transmission is controlled by a computer, it won't let you do anything too extreme that could cause damage. It'll override your inputs if need be.

Many years ago Myth Busters tested what happened if you shifted a modern stepped automatic into reverse during driving, the car just slowed down (like went into neutral) until it had slowed enough to physically shift the gearing into reverse.

 

[SeanIsElsewhere]

I’m interested to hear everyone’s input on CVT health as well. I use the paddles to engine brake constantly. I am coming up on nearing 30k miles and wondering if I should change my trans fluid soon for sure as I pushed it a bit in the summer heat; two summers in a row now.

 

[Car00071]

I’m interested to hear everyone’s input on CVT health as well. I use the paddles to engine brake constantly. I am coming up on nearing 30k miles and wondering if I should change my trans fluid soon for sure as I pushed it a bit in the summer heat; two summers in a row now.

Not sure exactly on the interval but 30-40 k is probably a good time to change the fluid especially if you push the car. I think Honda/acura says it’s a lifetime fluid but I don’t think that’s the best advice.

edit: Honda actually says 25-30k for the civics so probably a good time to do so.

 

[SeanIsElsewhere]

Not sure exactly on the interval but 30-40 k is probably a good time to change the fluid especially if you push the car. I think Honda/acura says it’s a lifetime fluid but I don’t think that’s the best advice.

edit: Honda actually says 25-30k for the civics so probably a good time to do so.

Yeah I feel as though I’m hearing more of the transmission ‘whine’ after a few heavy-ish pulls (I’m not even spinning tires) and also a lot of ‘downshifting’ and holding at higher (3-4k) RPM, the longer I’ve owned the car and doing so in both NE summers since taking ownership; I think I may have cooked the fluid a tad and it is less efficient at this point. I’m planning on replacing in the next 2k or so along with my oil.

 

[jtrader]

I have 2 Civic Sport hatches. 1 6MT and 1 CVT. I usually keep my manual revs quite high, usually shifting around 4k or 5k while warm. So, naturally driving in D in my CVT doesn't cut it. I use the paddles almost exclusively in S mode. It's the only way to control the RPM's and keep them up in the power band. 75k miles on the CVT, no problems yet. Paddle shift away!

 

[Riverstyx]

The CVT like any automatic transmission is controlled by a computer, it won't let you do anything too extreme that could cause damage. It'll override your inputs if need be.

Many years ago Myth Busters tested what happened if you shifted a modern stepped automatic into reverse during driving, the car just slowed down (like went into neutral) until it had slowed enough to physically shift the gearing into reverse.

I read the owners manual about the different driving modes/transmission modes shortly after I posted the question to see what the pubs said. It’s nice that they have failsafes built in for people like me.

 

[Riverstyx]

I have 2 Civic Sport hatches. 1 6MT and 1 CVT. I usually keep my manual revs quite high, usually shifting around 4k or 5k while warm. So, naturally driving in D in my CVT doesn't cut it. I use the paddles almost exclusively in S mode. It's the only way to control the RPM's and keep them up in the power band. 75k miles on the CVT, no problems yet. Paddle shift away!

Thank you! This is exactly what I needed.

 

[Big Duck]

A bit late but I’m curious, has anyone gotten paddle shifter extensions? I want to be able to hold the wheel at 10:2 rather than a 9:3 while shifting

 

[SeanIsElsewhere]

A bit late but I’m curious, has anyone gotten paddle shifter extensions? I want to be able to hold the wheel at 10:2 rather than a 9:3 while shifting

I haven’t but I’ve been eyeing a few different ones that are available online. I am holding out for a complete replacement paddle or at the very least, a less noticeable stick-on paddle extension.

 

[Big Duck]

I haven’t but I’ve been eyeing a few different ones that are available online. I am holding out for a complete replacement paddle or at the very least, a less noticeable stick-on paddle extension.

I’ve heard some concerning things about the 3M stick on paddles like they have trouble shifting in certain spots, and they can possibly damage the oem paddles if you want to change them. if there’s possibility of a complete replacement then I’m holding out for that

 

[SeanIsElsewhere]

I’ve heard some concerning things about the 3M stick on paddles like they have trouble shifting in certain spots, and they can possibly damage the oem paddles if you want to change them. if there’s possibility of a complete replacement then I’m holding out for that

Oh damn I hadn’t heard that but makes sense. BMW has plenty of entire replacements but it appears Hondas never have attempted it :/

 

[Bongoman]

I have 2 Civic Sport hatches. 1 6MT and 1 CVT. I usually keep my manual revs quite high, usually shifting around 4k or 5k while warm. So, naturally driving in D in my CVT doesn't cut it. I use the paddles almost exclusively in S mode. It's the only way to control the RPM's and keep them up in the power band. 75k miles on the CVT, no problems yet. Paddle shift away!

What mileage did you change the trans fluid?

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