Käiguvahetuslabad

Käiguvahetuslabad, known in English as paddle shifters, are manual overrides for a vehicle's automatic transmission. They are typically located on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to select higher or lower gears without taking their hands off the wheel. This provides a more engaging and sporty driving experience, mimicking the control found in manual transmission vehicles or racing cars.

The operation of paddle shifters is straightforward. A paddle on one side of the steering column, usually the left, is used to downshift, while the paddle on the other side, usually the right, is used to upshift. Some vehicles may feature both paddles on one side, with a push and pull motion performing the same function. When paddle shifters are engaged, the transmission typically enters a manual mode, holding the selected gear until the driver manually shifts again or the engine reaches its redline.

Paddle shifters are commonly found in performance-oriented vehicles, sports cars, and luxury sedans. They offer drivers the ability to manually control gear selection for improved acceleration, engine braking, or simply for a more direct connection to the driving process. While they do not change the fundamental operation of an automatic transmission, they significantly enhance driver control and involvement.