my volvo has the automatic trans with manual. i am wondering how you use the extra "gears"?

 

If you are referring to the geartronic transmission you can move the gear selector freely between the (MAN) ual and (D) rive positions while driving.
Gears 3, and 4 have a "lock-up" function which reduces engine speed and helps save fuel.

The currently selected gear will be displayed in the instrument panel page.
To access the (MAN) ual shifting position from (D) rive, move the gear selector to the left to MAN.

To return to the (D) rive position from MAN, move the gear selector to the right.

While driving
If you select the (MAN) ual position while driving, the gear that was being used in the (D) rive position
will also initially be selected in (MAN) ual position.
l Move the gear selector forward (toward "+") to shift to a higher gear or rearward (toward "-") to shift
to a lower gear.
l If you hold the gear selector toward "-", the transmission will downshift, one gear at a time, and will
utilize the braking power of the engine. If the current speed is too high for using a lower gear, the
downshift will not occur until the speed has decreased enough to allow the lower gear to be used.
l If you slow down to a very low speed, the transmission will automatically shift down.
l When starting in the (MAN) ual position, 3rd gear is the highest gear that may be selected.
NOTE: Kickdown does not function when the transmission is in the manual shift (Geartronic) mode.

W - Winter/Wet driving mode - enhanced vehicle traction
l Mode W will only function if the gear selector is in the (D) rive position.