Hey guys I’m Q , new here obviously ! I just purchased a 09 xf ! & I am very interested in using the paddles but I’m scared ! Someone please enlighten me on when to use what gear !? I know you switch gears up when you go faster & you come back down as you stop or turn . But I feel like there is more to know before I switch that lever to S !!! Feedback !?

Hi Q,

 

I'm on my second car with paddles. They seem unintuitive at first, incredibly so, but when you practice a bit, it's fine.

One word of caution though - don't start off using them in S mode! Practice first in D, overriding the normal automatic selection, probably by choosing a higher gear when cruising or a lower one to slow down without braking.

If you go for full override (in S mode) it can get a little hairy until you practice (my brother-in law pulled a downshift when he though he was turning off main beam in mine!!!).

At the end of the day, I think they're there just for an occasional bit of fun; most of the time the gearbox gets it right; although it does hang on to lower gears a little more than necessary.

Have fun and enjoy either way!

Cheers,
Jon