How to drive Audi A4 Multitronic paddle shift?

I just got an Audi A4 and it has multitronic transmission w/ paddle shifts. I have never driven a manual car before so I don't understand how gears work exactly.





Can someone explain to me in very simple terms how to use paddle shifts? I want to use this feature!|||First of all, one of our associates points out that the car will operate just like a traditional automatic if left alone. However, the Multitronic CVT allows the driver to “manually” shift the artificial “gears” with the paddles. It is not a “manual transmission.”).





Another one of our car enthusiasts and associates suggests, that the Multitronic is simply Audi’s CVT (continuously variable transmission). If you’re not familiar, CVT’s don’t shift. They offer seamless acceleration with no gear changes. Many hybrids such as the Honda Civic hybrid, the Dodge Durango Hybrid, and the Toyota Prius feature these types of transmissions. While they can be optimal for fuel economy, their performance is generally less than optimal, as they’ve proven to be pretty weak in high power applications.











Our experts point out that the paddle shifters on the A4 and other Audi models equipped with the Multitronic transmission have computer controls that can dictate any number of manufacturer specified separate pre-determined transmission ratios. If you select manual mode and forget to shift, the transmission will simply default back to automatic mode so as not to hurt the engine.





The idea behind the paddle shifters is best discovered on a track or twisty road. They allow the driver to keep the car in a desired gear for optimal acceleration around tight turns or up and down steep grades. Example: If you’re about to start a turn, you may want to tell the car to shift into a lower gear, brake, and then since the lower correct gear is already selected, you can exit the turn under optimal power.


For everyday driving though, the paddle shifters really are not needed..





Proper use is fairly simple. When accelerating, tap the up shift paddle (go from 1 to 2 or 2 to 3) before redline. If you don’t tap the up shift paddle, the car will shift for you.





One of our associates points out that the owner’s manual might explain how to use the paddle shifters a little better. We also suggest that the best option would be to go back to the dealership for a demonstration. The bottom line is that you cannot hurt the car if you operate the paddle shifters wrong. The computers will take over before damage is done.





For more information, actual Audi A4 driving blogs, car tips, previews and reviews of new vehicles, videos, photo galleries, and quality ratings, please visit JDPower.com.

















|||ok...the following is for the B5 A4 (1994-2001)





A) the only gears that you can shift between with the paddle shifters or the shifter on the gearbox are 1-5 (not reverse)....in other words, you can only use multitronic in drive





B) Once you are in drive, push the shifter to the right, in order to engage the multitronic (turn it on)...then you are ready to drive





C) As you start driving (depending on which model year you have) 1st gear will automatically shift into second without you doing anything.....





D) After that (when you are in second gear) you need to hit the " + " button on the wheel to shift into third gear (if necessary), and the " - " button to down shift





Also note: if you do not hit the + button, the car will not shift for you (unless it is from 1 to 2)|||i suggest u take some lessons because you really wont be able to learn it online... it took me a while, but once i got used to driving manual it became so much fun!


manual really is more enjoyable than auto, as well as faster...





paddle shifts usually have a + or a - sign on them. + means shift up (go faster) and - helps to slow down...





make sure u take your foot off the gas pedal when u press the clutch to change gears...





i would have liked to be of more help but you really do need someone to give you a live demonstration, driving a manual transmission can actually be overwhelming to some people. |||if you dont know how to drive a manual then this is not the car to learn on. sport cars are difficult to learn manual on and have a stiff clutch which is a racing clutch.