Transmission in ‘Sport’ Mode or Constantly Using Paddle Shifters

Mintee on 26/03/2025 - 14:37
Last edited 26/03/2025 - 20:55 by 1 other user

Hello world, I’ve been wondering about something and would love to get your thoughts.

Does driving a car with the transmission in ‘sport’ mode or constantly using paddle shifters actually cause damage to the transmission over time? I’m ignoring things like fuel economy and engine revs for now — I’m just curious about potential long-term wear on the transmission itself.

Specifically, how does it impact different types of transmissions:

We know that:
- CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission): Since there aren’t fixed gears, does constant shifting in sport mode cause extra wear on the system, like the pulleys or the electronics, I'm essentially forcing the 'stepping' right?

  • DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission): These are meant to be quick with shifting, but if you’re constantly using the paddles, could it wear out the clutches or confuse the mechatronics (the system controlling the shifts)?

  • Torque Converter (Regular Automatic): Does using sport mode or shifting a lot cause wear on things like the torque converter or the fluid?

As odd as it sounds, I actually don’t mind automatics when they're upshifting, and I like them being in a higher gear. But when slowing down, they don’t seem to downshift early enough, so I end up using the paddle to make sure I’m in the right gear for take-off, and just wondering if I'm pre-maturely wearing the transmission.

Would love to hear your experiences or any knowledge on how these transmissions hold up with constant paddle shifting or sport mode driving

Just to shout out here; Last time I was criticised for not replying to comments (which I feel I do) when I post…. I don't really know how I can contribute to the commentary on this topic… but anyway, let's see how we go ….

Automotive

Comments

  • Mechz on 26/03/2025 - 14:39
    +2

    No

  • Gdsamp on 26/03/2025 - 14:39
    +6

    is it so hard to tell us the car make/model

    • MS Paint on 26/03/2025 - 14:49

      992 GT3 RS

      • Murkymerv on 26/03/2025 - 14:52

        Bragging again ⁉️

    • Mintee on 26/03/2025 - 14:51
      -6

      Its a general question; ive listed 3 different types of transmissions!! The trolls from my last post obviousl!! :P

      • soan papdi on 26/03/2025 - 19:57
        +2

        Its a general question; ive listed 3 different types of transmissions!! The trolls from my last post obviousl!! :P

        Hello Doctor. I slipped and fell on one of the last 3 days and I feel one of my bones is broken, it's either my leg, arm or skull. Can you refer me to an X-Ray, CT-scan and an MRI, I'lll choose one which I feel is best.

    • soan papdi on 26/03/2025 - 14:52
      +6

      OP likes to keep it vague: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/896758

      • Caped Baldy on 26/03/2025 - 18:19
        +2

        OP is being an askh*le(allegedly).

  • geekcohen on 26/03/2025 - 14:55
    +2

    I drove my old VE Commodore in Sports Mode all the time and did 200,000kms with no problems. I gave that car a fair bit.

    I drive my Ranger in Sports mode all the time and have no issues, done 75,000kms so far, no issues. This is also with a throttle controller.

    Also, if cars/engines/transmissions weren't supposed to be driven in such ways, then why would they have a sports mode or padel shift? The computer will only change gear (up and down) if it is within its limits. Like you cannot downshift 2 gears and rev the crap out of it, the cars computer just won't do it.

    • Mintee on 26/03/2025 - 14:59

      Thanks - This is good to know. Some transmissions actually don't shift in 'Sport' mode- they actually let you ride the rev limiter (I don't think I've money shifted one though, not sure its let me do that - so youre right) … come to think of it… not that Ive rode the rev limiter either.

      I think the VEs have a torque converter; so I would be guessing that this is why it held up - i don't think a CVT or DCT would hold up the same, but am genuinely curious, hence the post

      • geekcohen on 26/03/2025 - 15:58

        Some transmissions actually don't shift in 'Sport' mode- they actually let you ride the rev limiter

        Thats probably when it is in "manual" mode which you often need to be in sports mode to engage. My ranger does that, but only when I initiate it. I will only use it when I am going through the hills and/or towing trailer/caravan.

        I think the VEs have a torque converter; so I would be guessing that this is why it held up

        Well at least it did, a few other things didn't like the oil pump and timing chains.

      • brendanm on 26/03/2025 - 16:23
        +2

        A dct is a manual gearbox controlled.by a computer, with a clutch for each of two gearsets. You can bang it off the rev limiter all day if that's what really excites you.

        Where do you come up with these topics?

        • Mintee on 26/03/2025 - 16:57

          Where do you come up with these topics?

          Yeah, im a bit weird sorry, I just of alot of random things. New car shopping; so… one thing thats on my mind tbh. I dont feel the reliability is there for DCTS (of any brand) in comparison to a CVT or torque converter

          • MS Paint on 26/03/2025 - 17:08

            @Mintee:

            dont feel the reliability is there for DCTS

            PDK would like to have a chat with you. Super reliable but needs consistent, regular servicing. Porsche charge $950 for the oil change alone.

          • brendanm on 26/03/2025 - 18:42

            @Mintee: Yeah, you only get 300k+ KMs out of a VW wet clutch DCT, pretty poor. Porsche also has a terrible reputation with their DCTs, just dying all over the place.

      • JIMB0 on 26/03/2025 - 17:10
        +5

        Forget sport mode, it's overrated. Have you tried putting it into R for race? It unlocks a whole new driving experience. Give it a shot if you dare.

        • brendanm on 26/03/2025 - 18:43

          It's best to put it into race mode at about 60kmh I hear.

          • JIMB0 on 26/03/2025 - 20:21
            +2

            @brendanm: It'll send you in a whole new direction.

        • soan papdi on 26/03/2025 - 19:59
          +1

          Do I get to choose between white, brown and black?

        • ozbargainoid on 27/03/2025 - 12:32

          I put mine in D for daytime, but when I put it in N for nightime, it doesnt want to go.
          I might have to take to the dealer for a check, (in daytime if course)

  • sumyungguy on 26/03/2025 - 15:20
    +1

    If you want a low-cost transmission, get a manual… but I acknowledge it's an elusive option in the new car market

    • Mintee on 26/03/2025 - 18:29

      I think coming from a manual is why im also asking this question (manual for 10 years) 1 year auto gap in the middle.

      Im always in the correct gear… I find this alot when approaching a round about, manual im in 2nd most of the time, lets call it just under 2k rpm?

      Auto, on the break, im not in 2nd whilst on the break, foot hits the accelerator, ill get a kick down… Generally i find im in one gear too high on approach hence some of my question

  • Russell Dupsumtucka on 26/03/2025 - 15:23
    +1

    make sure I’m in the right gear for take-off

    You driving a Musk Stick into space?

  • Cluster on 26/03/2025 - 15:49
    +1

    Mazda 3 bog standard car, so nothing 'sporty'. It does have 'Sport' mode, but all that does is apply higher revs and wait longer to shift into the next gear. Handy for driving up steep long hills as the automatic is sometimes a little too keen to shift into higher gears for the sake of fuel efficiency.

    Obviously the more you shift the more wear is made in transmission components, regardless of transmission.

  • Jaduqimon on 26/03/2025 - 15:56

    Higher engine revs when you shift does cause more wear and strain on the transmission but at a reasonable level, wouldn't cause damage in the life of the car, i.e. around 200k kms…

  • slknv on 26/03/2025 - 16:11
    +4

    It's a boring auto. Leave it in D for dumb and stop overthinking it.

    • SlickMick on 27/03/2025 - 09:37

      +1

      My last 3 cars I've asked why do they keep cluttering the steering wheel with these paddles - I've never used them.
      I wish they'd make them programmable so I can control anything I like from the steering wheel.

  • brad1-8tsi on 26/03/2025 - 16:12
    +1

    Our Golf has DSG and I use Sport mode in heavy traffic to delay the 1-2 shift. I don't use manual mode as it just feels weird.

    My 4WD has an 8 speed torque converter auto. I use the paddles a lot to downshift or to hold a gear. I use manual mode when it is being used off-road.

    I don't see either being detrimental to longevity.

  • Hybroid on 26/03/2025 - 16:32

    Had a GLC for years and switching off start/stop, then switching on Sport Mode became second nature when turning on the car.

  • coffeeinmyveins on 26/03/2025 - 16:49
    +1

    so I end up using the paddle to make sure I’m in the right gear for take-off, and just wondering if im pre-maturely wearing the transmission.

    The cars computer knows better than you.

    IMO anything where you're overriding what gears it thinks it should be in will wear things down overtime, especially if you're having the engine rev higher.

  • CheapandUsed on 26/03/2025 - 16:51

    Had a Mazda 3 SP25, used the paddle shifters often, if you got the timing right by clicking the paddle at the right revs with the right amount of throttle it absolutely ripped through the gears, and was good fun for downshifting on twisty roads too..

    Now have a CVT in an SUV and just use the down paddle when I want a little more engine breaking

  • JIMB0 on 26/03/2025 - 17:02

    I put my hybrid into sport mode if I want the engine to stay running. If I'm going down a long steep hill I might even downshift to get some engine braking.

    I leave it in D for drag racing and just brake stall it for the launch.

  • Euphemistic on 26/03/2025 - 17:22
    +1

    Firstly, im not an expert.

    IMO the thing that wears your transmission is load and shufting, not being in a different gear to automatic. These days the computer control will prevent damage during shifting or due to over revving etc.

    Dont see how itll cause any preemature wear, except maybe in CVT.

    • Mintee on 26/03/2025 - 18:19

      Why do you think so in a CVT?

      • Euphemistic on 26/03/2025 - 19:22

        My understanding is that they are designed to be continuously variable. So they probably arent designed to hold a particukar ratio.

        • Mintee on 26/03/2025 - 19:30

          Interesting you say that. New WRXs have a cvt

          • MS Paint on 26/03/2025 - 20:34
            +1

            @Mintee: Automatic WRXs have been CVT for at least 10 years*

            *If memory serves me correctly

            Automatics in a WRX should never have been an option.°

            ° IMHO - fight me

            • Mintee on 26/03/2025 - 20:35

              @MS Paint: Okay sure 10 years. Question was impact on transmission

              • MS Paint on 26/03/2025 - 20:37

                @Mintee: I have no idea nor would I waste anytime researching it.

              • brendanm on 26/03/2025 - 22:22

                @Mintee: There is no impact to it. It doesn't care. You are worrying about things which are of 0 consequence. A bigger worry is which maker of which gearbox you would purchase. Some do good dct, some do crap dct. Some do good CVT, some do crap CVT. Some do good auto, some do crap auto (though pretty rare these days).

      • skillet on 27/03/2025 - 10:42
        +1

        Actually holding a 'gear' in a CVT can be quite a disaster especially when the oil has degraded. The belt/chains will bite into the pulley cones cause grooves and wear spots. I would let the computer choose the pulley ratio that best matches the engine rpm and torque to extract the best efficiency. That's what the CVT system designed for. Shifting 'gears' in manual mode is quite the opposite.

        https://gearsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen-…

  • NanoDuke on 27/03/2025 - 09:58

    Driving any car causes damage to the transmission over time.
    /thread.

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