When to override the car's choices

There are time when you might need to have more control over your car.

here are some examples: in poor weather conditions; when driving on bendy country lanes (especially in sporty automatics); keeping to low speed limits; climbing some hills; getting ready to overtake and avoiding the kickdown surge.

When you choose one of the 'manual' gear positions you will prevent the car from changing to a gear higher than the one selected.

If you are a driver's driver, as you get to know your car, manual changes will become intuitive.

If you simply use your car as a car - that is to get from A to B (now there's a novel idea!) you might never feel the need to override the automatic changes.

Just do whatever gives you a sense of control for the type of driving you do.

If you are unsure, get some training!