[Question] Tiptronic: How To and How Not To

[renold458]

Hello again my fellow B6 sufferers and enjoy...ers. So in my aging journey with my B6, the tiptronic option has always grabbed my eye. I've never driven a manual, and everyone says it is "the right way to drive", so I figured why not try the manual "option" in my car. So a few questions:

- For me (and for other users who may come across is), the most basic is how do I use it? How do I activate it? etc.
- The age old question of "will this damage my transmission if I fuck up because I'm stupid and am an automatic newbie?". I've seen various answers for different cars, so someone put those to rest and give me a set one for my B6 so I can freak out less
- When do I shift up and when do I shift down?
- Is there a place and a time tip is actually more annoying than simply using auto?
- Are there any long-term issues I should know about for using tip more often than auto?
- If you guys have any other suggestions just feel free to mention them!

[DownhillA4]

I'm not sure how simple this post should be taken. Your asking how the Tiptronic mode works in an Automatic vehicle?

The easiest way if you are that worried about trying it. Drive in "D" and watch at what RPM/speed your car shifts under normal driving or under load (on hills, etc.).
Then when you feel comfortable with how your car shifts itself, move the stick over to (+-) and do it yourself. You don't have to do anything else. No need to take your foot off the gas to shift up.

Start video at 5:12


If your RPM's go into the "red" zone. Houston, you have a problem. PS, you still don't get respect for using Tiptronic mode from all your Manual friends, trust me.

[Jborch8]

Hello again my fellow B6 sufferers and enjoy...ers. So in my aging journey with my B6, the tiptronic option has always grabbed my eye. I've never driven a manual, and everyone says it is "the right way to drive", so I figured why not try the manual "option" in my car. So a few questions:

- For me (and for other users who may come across is), the most basic is how do I use it? How do I activate it? etc.
- The age old question of "will this damage my transmission if I fuck up because I'm stupid and am an automatic newbie?". I've seen various answers for different cars, so someone put those to rest and give me a set one for my B6 so I can freak out less
- When do I shift up and when do I shift down?
- Is there a place and a time tip is actually more annoying than simply using auto?
- Are there any long-term issues I should know about for using tip more often than auto?
- If you guys have any other suggestions just feel free to mention them!

If I were you, I would utilize Google and search Audi Tiptronic so you have a better understanding of how it works.

[Jborch8]

I'm not sure how simple this post should be taken. Your asking how the Tiptronic mode works in an Automatic vehicle?

The easiest way if you are that worried about trying it. Drive in "D" and watch at what RPM/speed your car shifts under normal driving or under load (on hills, etc.).
Then when you feel comfortable with how your car shifts itself, move the stick over to (+-) and do it yourself. You don't have to do anything else. No need to take your foot off the gas to shift up.

Start video at 5:12


If your RPM's go into the "red" zone. Houston, you have a problem. PS, you still don't get respect for using Tiptronic mode from all your Manual friends, trust me.

..

[renold458]

I'm not sure how simple this post should be taken. Your asking how the Tiptronic mode works in an Automatic vehicle?

The easiest way if you are that worried about trying it. Drive in "D" and watch at what RPM/speed your car shifts under normal driving or under load (on hills, etc.).
Then when you feel comfortable with how your car shifts itself, move the stick over to (+-) and do it yourself. You don't have to do anything else. No need to take your foot off the gas to shift up.

Start video at 5:12


If your RPM's go into the "red" zone. Houston, you have a problem. PS, you still don't get respect for using Tiptronic mode from all your Manual friends, trust me.

The post should be taken literally and very simply. Go through the questions I posted and just answer them. I don't need to know "how " it works just how to use it and everything else I asked because it's my overall tranny health is what worries me. I never even used the S mode. But that video was helpful, to an extent. That guy has issues o.o . Haha I have the most car knowledge among my friends (they don't even have cars), that was more of a joke to all the YouTube car guys who believe it's manual or die.

[renold458]

If I were you, I would utilize Google and search Audi Tiptronic so you have a better understanding of how it works.

Why when I'm part of a forum who has knowledgeable and helpful people that can probably explain it better and don't use "Google is your friend" as a cop out.

[Northern_B6]

it's my overall tranny health is what worries me.

Driving it in Tip mode instead of "D" won't adversely affect your transmission.

I drive about 60% in "D", 40% in Tip and I can safely say my car shifts just as smooth in both.

And to answer another one of your questions: You don't have to "down shift" when coming to a stop.

[DownhillA4]

The post should be taken literally and very simply. Go through the questions I posted and just answer them. I don't need to know "how " it works just how to use it and everything else I asked because it's my overall tranny health is what worries me.

Some thanks I get.
When joining AZ at 17, always made sure to thank the OG's who responded to my threads.


You won't do tranny harm unless you are launching the car constantly, same damage any other car would be prone too. Just note the torque converter that kicks in during 2nd gear. I've been tuned for 60k miles and use tiptronic 100% of the time as RPMS are jumpy in "d."
If you knew "how" it worked, your questions would have already been answered. Even though your first question asks "- For me (and for other users who may come across is), the most basic is how do I use it? How do I activate it? etc."

What do I know? :)

[tHatOne guY]

If anything be sure to keep it serviced like the owner's manual suggests and just properly maintained more than anything else. I have no idea if your car is modded etc but above anything else keeping it maintained as VAG recommends should keep it in service for a long time.

And of course WOT every gear shift is not going to help as far as longevity goes, so keep that in mind.

Other than that just drive it and learn to get a feel for your car and how it behaves. Every auto-box has it's own set of characteristics and all will shift a bit different, mostly dependent on the driver. The TCM determines how the driver typically operates the car and sets it's shift points and the transmission's "personality" around that. Adaptive learning I wanna say it's called, should be mentioned in the owners manual.

[john_gonzo]

The post should be taken literally and very simply. Go through the questions I posted and just answer them. I don't need to know "how " it works just how to use it and everything else I asked because it's my overall tranny health is what worries me. I never even used the S mode. But that video was helpful, to an extent. That guy has issues o.o . Haha I have the most car knowledge among my friends (they don't even have cars), that was more of a joke to all the YouTube car guys who believe it's manual or die.

Why when I'm part of a forum who has knowledgeable and helpful people that can probably explain it better and don't use "Google is your friend" as a cop out.

The privilege of being part of a forum comes with the responsibility of being respectful so those knowledgeable people continue to be helpful. Many of us slip now and then. Might be good to try and minimize this kind of tone.

[renold458]

Some thanks I get.
When joining AZ at 17, always made sure to thank the OG's who responded to my threads.


You won't do tranny harm unless you are launching the car constantly, same damage any other car would be prone too. Just note the torque converter that kicks in during 2nd gear. I've been tuned for 60k miles and use tiptronic 100% of the time as RPMS are jumpy in "d."
If you knew "how" it worked, your questions would have already been answered. Even though your first question asks "- For me (and for other users who may come across is), the most basic is how do I use it? How do I activate it? etc."

What do I know? :)

Oh I didn't mean to sound rude or anything I actually appreciated your help haha. And by how I mean like the intricacies of the system and how it control shifts etc., the how I asked for was mostly intended to the nitty gritty of the driver actually coming into using it. The torque converter always gets me in D and it drives me bonkers, even knowing its fine.

[renold458]

The privilege of being part of a forum comes with the responsibility of being respectful so those knowledgeable people continue to be helpful. Many of us slip now and then. Might be good to try and minimize this kind of tone.

I show respect where it is warranted. While I can see where my reply to DownhillA4 could have been seen as unappreciative and rude (in which I replied to him/her and set that straight), I have never appreciated someone telling others to simply Google an answer when they present a question on a forum. I find it backwards. I can see where sometimes it is necessary to tell someone to Google something, this was unfortunately not one of those cases.

Driving it in Tip mode instead of "D" won't adversely affect your transmission.

I drive about 60% in "D", 40% in Tip and I can safely say my car shifts just as smooth in both.

And to answer another one of your questions: You don't have to "down shift" when coming to a stop.

Okay awesome. In what instances would you tip over D or vice versa? Like I assume maybe an open highway you'd prefer tip?

[mattj150]

I have a B7 A4 but the concept is the same.

I prefer to use tip mode whenever I want to accelerate quickly or if I'm driving on a road that has lots of curves. I really only use D if I'm in traffic or there is snow on the ground. Once you know how your car behaves tip mode makes the car a lot more fun since you can anticipate your driving and shift accordingly.

I've never had any issues with transmission damage, the system won't let you over rev the engine and will automatically shift before redline. Obviously you should still use common since but it's not like a true manual where you could easily break something.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[renold458]

I have a B7 A4 but the concept is the same.

I prefer to use tip mode whenever I want to accelerate quickly or if I'm driving on a road that has lots of curves. I really only use D if I'm in traffic or there is snow on the ground. Once you know how your car behaves tip mode makes the car a lot more fun since you can anticipate your driving and shift accordingly.

I've never had any issues with transmission damage, the system won't let you over rev the engine and will automatically shift before redline. Obviously you should still use common since but it's not like a true manual where you could easily break something.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Okay that makes sense, that's what I figured especially with driving in D when in traffic. It's nice to know the car is still able to control things so you don't get too ahead of yourself. Especially for me

[Charles.waite]

Do you also need a DIY on how to use turn signals, the gas pedal and the brake pedal too?

Mind boggling...

Yes I'm being a dick and yes this is a really dumb thread....

[Rabbit]

Do you also need a DIY on how to use turn signals, the gas pedal and the brake pedal too?

Mind boggling...

Yes I'm being a dick and yes this is a really dumb thread....

Sassy pants!

[walky_talky20]

Tiptronic merely allows you to control the point at which the shifts happen. This makes you feel in control. And important. On the technical side, it also is programmed to give somewhat firmer shifts and the converter lockup strategy is a little more aggressive. But basically, you just get to choose when it shifts.

Can you do harm by doing it wrong? Well...a little.
- If you constantly ask it to do aggressive downshifts to slow the car down instead of hitting the brakes - yes, you are putting additional, needless wear on the clutch packs.
- If you constantly ask it to upshift at max engine torque (like Wide Open Throttle, full boost, 4000 RPM) - again, additional wear is happening.
- If you flip the paddle back and forth constantly, asking the transmission to shift 20x more than it otherwise would - yes, you're going to kill it.

Can you use Tiptronic mode and actually reduce wear by doing it right? Actually, yes.
- The shifts are slightly firmer in Tiptronic mode. This means less "slip" happens during the shift. So, assuming the same shift points and power delivery, there will be less wear on the clutch packs.
- Generally speaking, however, Tiptronic mode is most often used to "hoon" the car a bit (or a lot), so it's a wash at best.

There is no common failure attributed to Audi owners over-using the Tiptronic or using it wrong. Most people never use it at all. But for those who do, I've not heard of anybody blowing up a transmission because they "over did it" in Tip mode unless they were being ridiculous. You're fine. Have some fun with it.

[Charles.waite]

It's hard to use it wrong also. Ultimately the tcu controls the shifting. It will automatically up shift if you hit the limiter and it will refuse to downshift if the rpms are too high and by downshifting it will over rev the motor. It's pretty foolproof.

So honestly, just play around with it while driving and see how it works. You really can't do any harm whatsoever no matter what you do. If the ECU senses what you're telling it to do will break something it will just not do it.

[renold458]

Tiptronic merely allows you to control the point at which the shifts happen. This makes you feel in control. And important. On the technical side, it also is programmed to give somewhat firmer shifts and the converter lockup strategy is a little more aggressive. But basically, you just get to choose when it shifts.

Can you do harm by doing it wrong? Well...a little.
- If you constantly ask it to do aggressive downshifts to slow the car down instead of hitting the brakes - yes, you are putting additional, needless wear on the clutch packs.
- If you constantly ask it to upshift at max engine torque (like Wide Open Throttle, full boost, 4000 RPM) - again, additional wear is happening.
- If you flip the paddle back and forth constantly, asking the transmission to shift 20x more than it otherwise would - yes, you're going to kill it.

Can you use Tiptronic mode and actually reduce wear by doing it right? Actually, yes.
- The shifts are slightly firmer in Tiptronic mode. This means less "slip" happens during the shift. So, assuming the same shift points and power delivery, there will be less wear on the clutch packs.
- Generally speaking, however, Tiptronic mode is most often used to "hoon" the car a bit (or a lot), so it's a wash at best.

There is no common failure attributed to Audi owners over-using the Tiptronic or using it wrong. Most people never use it at all. But for those who do, I've not heard of anybody blowing up a transmission because they "over did it" in Tip mode unless they were being ridiculous. You're fine. Have some fun with it.

Great write up, that's interesting about those firmer shifts that you mentioned. Never would've guessed that.

It's hard to use it wrong also. Ultimately the tcu controls the shifting. It will automatically up shift if you hit the limiter and it will refuse to downshift if the rpms are too high and by downshifting it will over rev the motor. It's pretty foolproof.

So honestly, just play around with it while driving and see how it works. You really can't do any harm whatsoever no matter what you do. If the ECU senses what you're telling it to do will break something it will just not do it.

Thanks Sassypantalones!

[ryanhmusic]

Thanks Sassypantalones!

well aren't you a bit of an ungrateful ass.

[Rabbit]

well aren't you a bit of an ungrateful ass.

Sassy pants #2

[renold458]

Sassy pants #2

I'm going to run out of pants ):

[Charles.waite]

If you have any salmon colored shorts, I'll take those in lieu of pants. Thanks.

[renold458]

If you have any salmon colored shorts, I'll take those in lieu of pants. Thanks.

Damn I got rid of the last one last week. It had little lobsters on it too. Shame

[Northern_B6]

In what instances would you tip over D ?

-Upcoming hill (up or down)
-Upcoming windy road
-Spirited driving
-Driving in snowy conditions (This happens a lot in the Great White North)
-Whenever I feel like playing pretend and wishing I had a manual

[Charles.waite]

I actually preferred to be in tip mode in traffic in my b7. Then I didn't have to deal with the car always wanting to be in the highest gear possible. I mean it would be in 3rd gear at 5mph but because there's no torque it would have to downshift to get any meaningful forward acceleration which would mean a long delay, then a thump when it shifted because the ZF 6-speed in the b7 blows nuts...

[PreciseD]

I don't prefer the Tip or the D..........

[Rabbit]

I'm going to run out of pants ):

Ha!

I don't prefer the Tip or the D..........

Hahahahaha

[WB650]

Only difference I notice is slightly worse MPG but that's also b/c when I'm in Tip mode I'm driving the shit out of my car and shifting later than it normally does in D

[DJMurphy]

On my daily commute I have a lot of long, straight 60 km/h roads. I'll use Tip to force an upshift to 5th gear and hit cruise, saves fuel.

[walky_talky20]

^I used to do that too (before I 5MT swapped, of course). I used Tip mode to "hypermile", basically forcing it to upshift as early as possible, or choosing the most appropriate gear for the lightest engine load in all conditions. I was generally able to get my drive home from work to average at 40+ mpg on the trip computer. This got boring and tedious after a while, though

[Charles.waite]

I would much prefer getting 16-17 mpgs in my 1.8t and enjoying my car than getting 25-26 mpgs, lugging the nuts off the engine, and wanting to kick myself in the balls constantly due to acute boredom.

Also yes that mileage is low but that's what I got in my b6. All city, short trips, lots of stop lights and hills. What can you do? I got 27-ish highway cruising between 70-85 so it wasn't the car, it was the driving conditions. I currently average 18 in my b7. Both were 6mt.

I measure using fuelly so my numbers are real calculated, not DIS numbers.

[diagnosticator]

I'm not sure how simple this post should be taken. Your asking how the Tiptronic mode works in an Automatic vehicle?

The easiest way if you are that worried about trying it. Drive in "D" and watch at what RPM/speed your car shifts under normal driving or under load (on hills, etc.).
Then when you feel comfortable with how your car shifts itself, move the stick over to (+-) and do it yourself. You don't have to do anything else. No need to take your foot off the gas to shift up.


If your RPM's go into the "red" zone. Houston, you have a problem. PS, you still don't get respect for using Tiptronic mode from all your Manual friends, trust me.

The anti tip trans attitude by many here on AZ is simply based on ignorance and misinformation. Sure, driving a MT is a lot of fun, but for many that is not the best trans. Drivers who face heavy traffic and disabled people, don't want to row a shifter and clutch constantly or can't operate a clutch or shifter normally, need a tip trans. Inexperienced drivers do better with a tip trans.
Modern tip transmissions perform very well compared to older technology. Auto transmissions are very reliable as well, compared to wearing out clutches in manual boxes. The constant claims otherwise from manual trans owners has no practical merit. What makes you think tip drivers need or want the respect of MT drivers anyway?

[DownhillA4]

The anti tip trans attitude by many here on AZ is simply based on ignorance and misinformation. Sure, driving a MT is a lot of fun, but for many that is not the best trans. Drivers who face heavy traffic and disabled people, don't want to row a shifter and clutch constantly or can't operate a clutch or shifter normally, need a tip trans. Inexperienced drivers do better with a tip trans.
Modern tip transmissions perform very well compared to older technology. Auto transmissions are very reliable as well, compared to wearing out clutches in manual boxes. The constant claims otherwise from manual trans owners has not practical merit. What makes you think tip drivers need or want the respect of MT drivers anyway?

I drive a TIP, not a MT. My comment was towards the OP saying how people state" manual is the right way to drive or bust." Meaning I get nasty comments all the time from MT people looking down on me because I own a Tiptronic car. I know the reasons why people choose not too drive MT. I know how to drive a MT, just couldn't find a 5spd in immaculate shape at the time.

[Charles.waite]

Everyone who drive an automatic is inferior though. I'm pretty sure it's written in the constitution...

[old guy]

I have one of each and they both serve their respective purposes very well. I always enjoy rowing through the gears with the B6. But I also have a blast driving the CC VR6 with the steering wheel paddle shifters. 300+ hp (Unitronic stage 1). Plus it blows the doors off my B6.

Both are equally satisfying to drive.

[old guy]

Go Bische!!

[diagnosticator]

I drive a TIP, not a MT. My comment was towards the OP saying how people state" manual is the right way to drive or bust." Meaning I get nasty comments all the time from MT people looking down on me because I own a Tiptronic car. I know the reasons why people choose not too drive MT. I know how to drive a MT, just couldn't find a 5spd in immaculate shape at the time.

Sorry for misunderstanding your post.

[Rabbit]

Everyone who drive an automatic is inferior though. I'm pretty sure it's written in the constitution...

My favorite part of driving a tip Audi was the fuel cuts and gear hunting.

[renold458]

I don't prefer the Tip or the D..........

I am in tears lmfaooo