Hi everyone, I just got my Fit yesterday and love it.

I need advice on a few things.

1. My boyfriend is convinced I have "wasted" getting the Sport model because I didn't get it as a Manual. I don't know how to drive a Manual and I just like having an Automatic (I end up in stop and go traffic).

Anyway... I want to learn how to use the paddle shifters to my best advantage but I am next to clueless on how to do it. I have had one manual transmission "lesson" in my life before and did "OK" but when asked I just say I don't know how to drive Manual because I didn't feel very confident about it at all and then my friend sold his car so I never had another lesson.

Any tips on using the paddle shifters and when to use which gear? Are they worth using to try and get better gas mileage? Or are they more for power and/or control? Better MPG is one reason boyfriend said to get a MT btw.

I also have 2 hopefully easier questions:

2. Car wash/wax brand recommendations? I want to try to make my Fit last at least as long as my old car (13 years with a 95 Saturn SC2) and I want it to look nicer longer

3. Does anyone drive around without the back passenger headrests? I was thinking if I removed them it would be better visibility, maybe I'd even keep them at home? But I was wondering if that would be too dangerous for back passengers should I suddenly find myself ferrying folks back there.

 

your boyfriend needs to chill out, it's not that serious, and i don't think you wasted your money
the supercharger kit for the a/t Fit is coming soon so there's endless possibility.

there's plenty of people on the forum with A/T Fits

i believe the 'S' mode you use the paddle shifters (i don't have a/t)
but i usually shift between 3-3500 rpms

when i had my s2000 i used Zaino a lot, but for the Fit i like the newer Meguiars wax products, they work pretty well teamed up with some good microfiber cloths.

and i've never driven without the rear headrests. it doesn't affect my visibility but if it works for you, more power to you!


Welcome to Fitfreak!


-Ricky

 

Thanks Ricky! I'll tell my boyfriend to chill hehe.

I think you're right about S mode.

I'll see if I can adjust my seat etc and drive around today seeing if the back headrests really bug me or not.

Thanks for the welcome!

 

I agree with Ricky, and I own a AT Sport. If you use the "search" button at the top of the forums page, you will find multiple threads that have answers to all of your questions.

Learning to use the paddles is a self-taught thing- a matter of "feel". Just shift into "S" and use the paddles.

 

Congrats on the ride!!

I sincerely don't think you "wasted" your money on an auto fit. If you had bought an auto Lamborghini, then I would say it is a waste.

As for shifting, the general rule of thumb for normal driving is every 10-15 MPH is another gear. So 1st. gear is somewhere between 0-20, second - 20+mph, third - 30+ mph, fourth - 40+ mph, fifth - 50+ mph. Fifth is generally your cruising gear. A normal RPM your tach should be around is 2500-3500 rpm so try shifting at around +/- 3000 RPM.

Hope that helps!

~myke

 

Thanks manxman and Myke! I went to Frys to pick up a cord to use my MP3 player with the stereo and decided the back headrests don't really block too much.

I'll use Search to find out more about car wash products. Some cat discovered my Fit last night so I have little paw prints on it already (though that's kinda cute).

Thanks for the shifting info Myke, I'm going to try it out next outing, maybe first use it while in D (which according to the manual will mean that it will still shift automatically if it needs to).

 

Put the seats into utility mode which means the seats and the headrests are folded flat out of sight and mind but ready if passengers need them.

 

This is what I do. I don't like seeing the rests in the rear view.

 

That's a great idea. So far when I've folded them down it was to try out "refresh mode" so I took the headrests off for that of course. I've only had my Fit for less than 24 hours so I haven't fully explored it yet.

 

I'm not trying flame you. It's good to ask questions but read your manual. It will open up all sorts of possibilities that Honda has built in for you.

 

1. it's your car, you wanted AT, you like AT. AT is fine.

2. easy to use off-the-shelf wax is NXT TechWax by Meguiar's also Ice by turtlewax.

3. whiplash is not a good thing for your rear passengers if you were hit
from behind. you'll want to use the headrests when you have rear
passengers.

 

It sounds like you got most of your questions answered already so I will just say Welcome to the site. I have an auto and I still think I'm pretty cool. haha. But anyways......Welcome.

 

Welcome to the site!

I'll also add that as far as picking the sport vs. base...you did a good job. There is NO mechanical difference between the Sport and base so really you just pick which model and then the transmission.

 

Don't let your BF take that smile off your face when you are behind the wheel of your Fit - I love my AT Fit and enjoy using the paddle shifters when I want to do a little manual mode.

Enjoy your car you made a great choice - Mequiers has really great products and you can check out their web site for some great how to video and write ups. Just stay away from from hand or machine car washes they will swirl your paint job on the Fit - You can remove the back head rest if they are in your way. The new 2009 they have modified those so that they don't block your vision.

Cat

 

To use the paddle shifters you pop the car in S mode just below drive. This will keep your car in auto until you hit the paddle shifter for the first time. Once you hit the paddle shifter shifting is up to you. All you have to do is make sure to hit the right paddle shifter before 7k rpms other wise you will bounce off the rev liimiter. If I am driving nicely I usually shift between 2.5k and 3k rpms and if I am driving more spirited but not flooring it I usually shift around 5k in first 5k in second then around 3-4k in third.

I also usually only shift up to 4th because i have noticed that I get better gas mileage if I stay in fourth and there is more power there when I need it if I stay in fourth.

Don't worry about downshifting unless you want to downshift because the car will downshift you even in S mode.


I use a turtle wax brand stuff. I do a clay wax every six months a liquid wax ( try to ) once a month and a detailer for in between when I want the car to be shiny for a meet and I just waxed not too long ago.

 

I agree with everyone above.

As far as normal driving, I upshift before 3k rpm. I downshift sometimes, but not so much as I used to when I had a manual, so it's not necessary but definitely helpful if you are coming to a fast stop.

Have fun with the Fit! Your boyfriend doesn't know what he's talking about. AT Fits rock!

 

congrats on your new car! all that matters is that you're happy with YOUR car!

 

Your Fit revs higher?!?!?!?!??!!!!!

All along my redline has been 6500

-Ricky

 

w/e you guys knew what I meant. I was really tired and still am working 2nd shift one night and working day shift the next morning will do that too you. Now I work 2nd shift again tomorrow will be 5th day in a row I am tired lol.....

 

Welcome to the site, lots of tips for manual tranny's AND auto's