Paddle Shifters in Trucks: Enhanced Safety and Convenience?

Anh Tuan, a seasoned truck driver in Hoai Duc district, Hanoi, was accustomed to traditional gear shifting. Hearing fellow drivers on the Hanoi – Lao Cai route praising the modern convenience of paddle shifters, he initially dismissed the idea: “My truck doesn’t need such fancy features, it’s just unnecessary complexity.”

However, while visiting the Thaco Truong Hai truck dealership on Nguyen Van Linh Street, Long Bien district, to check out a new truck for his cousin, he had the opportunity to experience a Hyundai Mighty EX8 equipped with paddle shifters. After a test drive, he exclaimed: “You get what you pay for!”.

So what’s so special about paddle shifters that made Anh Tuan change his mind so quickly? Let’s delve into the details with Hanoi Trucks!

What are Paddle Shifters?

Paddle shifters are controls located behind the steering wheel, allowing drivers to manually shift gears without removing their hands from the wheel.

Typically made of durable plastic or metal, paddle shifters consist of two small levers: one for upshifting (+) and one for downshifting (-), ensuring ease of use.

Modern truck with paddle shifters

When a gear change is needed, the driver simply taps the corresponding paddle, prompting the system to execute a swift and precise shift.