What the Plus and Minus Mean on a Steering Wheel

They usually mark paddle shifters: “+” tells the car to upshift to a higher gear and “−” tells it to downshift to a lower gear. However, on some vehicles the same symbols on the steering wheel face control other functions such as audio volume (louder/quieter), cruise-control speed (faster/slower), or—on some EVs and hybrids—the strength of regenerative braking. Knowing the location and icon next to the symbols helps you tell which function you’re using.

What the symbols usually indicate

Behind-the-wheel paddles labeled “+” and “−” are designed for manual control of gear selection in vehicles with automatic, dual‑clutch, or CVT transmissions. Pulling the right paddle marked “+” commands an upshift; pulling the left paddle marked “−” commands a downshift. On many electric and hybrid models, similar paddles (often still marked “+” and “−”) adjust regenerative braking levels rather than changing gears. Plus/minus on buttons mounted on the steering wheel spokes typically adjust audio volume or cruise-control speed.

How paddle shifters work

In most modern cars, paddle inputs send a request to the transmission or motor controller. The vehicle accepts the shift when engine speed, road speed, and system protections allow it—preventing engine lugging or over‑revving. Many vehicles require Manual or Sport mode for full control; others accept temporary paddle inputs while in Drive, then revert to automatic shifting after a few seconds. CVTs use simulated “steps” to mimic fixed gears.

The list below outlines common paddle-shifter operations you may encounter across brands:

• Right paddle “+”: Upshifts to the next higher gear (or simulated ratio on a CVT).
• Left paddle “−”: Downshifts to a lower gear for more power or engine braking.
• Manual/Sport mode: Moving the lever to “M/S” or pressing a mode button often enables continuous manual control.
• Temporary override: In Drive, a single paddle pull may change gears briefly before the car returns to automatic shifting.
• Protective overrides: The car may refuse a downshift that would over‑rev the engine, or upshift automatically at redline.
• Long-press behavior: Some cars return to full automatic if you hold the “+” paddle; others time out after a period with no inputs.

While exact behavior varies by automaker, the core idea is consistent: you request the change with “+” or “−,” and the car executes it when it’s safe for the powertrain.

Variations by vehicle type

Automatic and dual-clutch transmissions

These respond quickly to paddle pulls and allow proactive gear selection for overtakes, cornering, and engine braking. Expect fast shifts in performance-oriented models and more measured responses in comfort-tuned vehicles.

CVTs

Continuously variable transmissions don’t have true fixed gears, but many simulate gear “steps” that paddles can select. This gives drivers familiar control without sacrificing CVT smoothness.

EVs and hybrids

Because there are no multi-speed gearboxes in most EVs (and many hybrids), “+” and “−” paddles often adjust regenerative braking. Typically, “−” increases regen (stronger deceleration when you lift off the accelerator), and “+” decreases it, though exact logic can vary by brand. Some EVs use a single “regen” paddle or a different labeling scheme. Always check your owner’s manual to confirm.

Other steering-wheel controls with +/−

Not every “+” and “−” means shifting. On the wheel spokes, plus/minus commonly appear on multifunction buttons that control convenience features. The icons next to the symbols reveal their purpose.

Here are the most common non-shifting uses for “+” and “−” on steering-wheel buttons:

• Audio volume: “+” raises volume; “−” lowers it, usually marked with a speaker icon.
• Cruise control/adaptive cruise: “+” increases the set speed; “−” decreases it, usually marked with a speedometer or road icon.
• Instrument cluster/menu: Some vehicles use “+/−” to scroll or change settings, typically labeled with menu icons.

If the plus/minus is on the face of the wheel with a function icon, it’s likely not for shifting. Paddles are typically behind the wheel at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions with minimal labeling beyond “+” and “−.”

How to tell which +/− you’re looking at

Location, labeling, and what changes in your instrument cluster are your best clues. A quick glance and a careful press or pull—with the car stationary and systems ready—will usually clarify the function.

Use the following quick checks to identify the meaning of your “+/−” controls:

1. Location: Behind-the-wheel levers are paddles for shifting or regen; buttons on spokes are typically volume or cruise.
2. Iconography: Speaker icons indicate volume; speedometer/road icons indicate cruise; bare “+/−” on paddles generally mean shift or regen.
3. Cluster feedback: A gear indicator changing to “M” with a number suggests manual shifting; bars or levels changing suggest regen adjustment.
4. Drive mode: Some cars require selecting “M” or “S” before paddles change gears; EVs may show regen level changes in Drive.
5. Owner’s manual/app: Confirm model-specific behavior and any long‑press functions or timeouts.

Taken together, these checks quickly reveal whether you’re commanding gears, braking strength, or convenience features.

Tips and cautions

Used correctly, “+/−” controls add precision and confidence. A few best practices improve safety and performance.

• Use downshifts for engine braking on descents, but avoid abrupt shifts on slippery surfaces.
• Anticipate: Downshift before corners or overtakes so power is ready when you need it.
• Let safeguards work: If the car rejects a shift, it’s protecting the powertrain—don’t force it.
• Practice in a safe area to learn how your specific car responds, including any auto‑revert to Drive.

These habits help you get the benefits of manual control without compromising traction, stability, or mechanical sympathy.

FAQ and troubleshooting

If “+/−” inputs don’t seem to do anything, the explanation is usually straightforward and model-specific. System protections and modes often shape the response you’ll feel.

Common reasons your “+/−” inputs have no effect include:

• Not in the right mode: Some cars need Manual/Sport mode for full paddle control.
• Out-of-range request: The ECU will block shifts that would stall or over‑rev the engine.
• EV/Hybrid limits: Full or very cold batteries reduce or disable strong regenerative braking, muting “−” inputs.
• Different function: Your paddles adjust regen, not gears; or your “+/−” buttons are for volume/cruise.
• Auto-revert: The car may switch back to automatic after a few seconds without inputs.

Verifying the mode and watching the instrument cluster for gear or regen indicators typically resolves the confusion. When in doubt, consult the manual or the automaker’s app for your model year.

Summary

On most modern cars, “+” and “−” behind the steering wheel are paddle shifters: “+” upshifts and “−” downshifts. On EVs and some hybrids, the same paddles often change regenerative braking strength instead. Plus/minus on the wheel’s face usually control convenience features such as volume or cruise speed. Check location, icons, and your instrument cluster to confirm what your car’s “+/−” does, and use the appropriate drive mode to get the response you expect.

When should I use paddle shifters?

Use paddle shifters for increased control and engagement by downshifting to slow the car on hills, prevent “hunting” for gears when climbing, or prepare for a sudden acceleration, and for upshifting to keep the engine in its power band or to relax the engine when cruising. You can also use them for sportier driving, gaining quick bursts of power, or for a smoother, more engaging driving experience on your favorite roads.
 
This video demonstrates how to use paddle shifters for engine braking and passing: 1mDietrich’s Car ChannelYouTube · Dec 3, 2024
When to Use Paddle Shifters

• Hilly Terrain: Downshift to use engine braking on descents to avoid overheating your brakes and to select a lower gear for more power and control when climbing hills. 
• Overtaking or Acceleration: Downshift to a lower gear to quickly access more power when you need to accelerate or initiate a passing maneuver. 
• Engine Braking: Use the downshift (left paddle, often a minus symbol) to slow the vehicle by engaging lower gears, which helps prevent you from riding the brakes on steep declines. 
• Fuel Efficiency or Engine Relaxation: You can upshift manually to higher gears at lower RPMs to achieve better fuel economy or simply to let the engine relax when you’re done driving hard. 
• Performance Driving: When you want a more dynamic and engaging driving experience, using paddle shifters allows you to control the transmission’s gear selection, giving you more precision and control over the vehicle. 

This video explains how to use paddle shifters for engine braking and passing: 42sSchaller SubaruYouTube · May 19, 2023
How to Use Paddle Shifters

• Right Paddle (+): Used to upshift into a higher gear. 
• Left Paddle (-): Used to downshift into a lower gear. 
• Manual Mode: In many cars, using the paddles will temporarily switch the transmission into a manual mode (often indicated by an “M” on the dashboard). 
• Check the Tachometer: Pay attention to the engine’s RPM (revolutions per minute) to ensure you don’t over-rev the engine or shift too early. The system may prevent you from downshifting if it would damage the engine. 

What is the -+ on my shift gear for?

M is for Manual.
This position allows you to shift gears, manually giving you more control over the car’s power. +/- Sign: This means the transmission can shift up or down.

Do you put your hands at 10 and 2 or 9 and 3?

Also have controls in the steering wheel. Which can be accessed easily from this position. Again without your hands leaving the wheel another reason to not drive at 10 and two has been shown.

What do the plus and minus do on my steering wheel?

So the setup is going to depend on the car that you’re in but typically you’re going to find the minus on the lefth hand side with the plus on the right hand. Side some cars are going to have a manual