Down shifting

[tjc1108]

I have had vehicles with manual transmissions and there were ocassions when I would use the transmission to slow the vehicle down. While reading the owners manual, it stated that when in the manual mode downshifting to slow the car down should not be done. So, what is the point of using the manual portion of the transmission? I do a lot of city driving and it just seems more practile.

[jetfuel]

...the recommendation manual states just that....
...I do downshift/up shift a lot....and I mean a lot....with the white stuff on the ground it seems to work better .....just me.


jetfuel

[NCC1701]

Without running to get my manual ... I seem to recall it made that recommendation regarding the engine break in period. Does it also refer to post-break in?

[jetfuel]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

Without running to get my manual ... I seem to recall it made that recommendation regarding the engine break in period. Does it also refer to post-break in?

...on slippery roads.....close enough NC....good memory


jetfuel

[Old smart]

We in North America are not treated to such language, but pg. 188 of the Euro W451 Operators Instructions says thus:

“Inclines
“On long and steep inclines, particularly if
the vehicle is loaded, you need to change to a
lower gear in plenty of time.
This enables you to utilize the engine’s
braking effect, meaning that you do not have
to brake so frequently in order to maintain
your speed. It also relieves the braking sys-
tem and prevents the brakes from getting
overheated and wearing out too quickly.
….”

Go Navy; Beat Army!

[jetfuel]

Originally Posted by Old smart

….”

Go Navy; Beat Army!

....


jetfuel

[jwight]

Originally Posted by tjc1108

I have had vehicles with manual transmissions and there were ocassions when I would use the transmission to slow the vehicle down. While reading the owners manual, it stated that when in the manual mode downshifting to slow the car down should not be done. So, what is the point of using the manual portion of the transmission? I do a lot of city driving and it just seems more practile.

Which is cheaper/easier to replace when worn out, the clutch or the brakes?

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by jwight

Which is cheaper/easier to replace when worn out, the clutch or the brakes?

using engine braking on a long downgrade as old smart has indicated does not slip the clutch. downshift to be in the right gear to accelerate out of a corner before you get there is what I was taught. using engine braking to slow for a corner is not needed with our cars or a good idea. Are we having fun yet?
karl

[jwight]

I think the OP was asking about driving around town, in which case the brakes slow the car for much less cost than the clutch and, unless my memory has failed me again, even in manual the computer shifts to a lower gear as the car slows down (from using the brakes.)

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by jwight

I think the OP was asking about driving around town, in which case the brakes slow the car for much less cost than the clutch and, unless my memory has failed me again, even in manual the computer shifts to a lower gear as the car slows down (from using the brakes.)

Using the motor rather than the brakes to decelerate around town will wear engine and clutch for no purpose. The leather brake linings in some of the old stuff would give up rather quickly in the olden days the stock brakes will go all day even when driven quite briskly. If the inertia wheel in the seat belts won't let you lean forward you are probably having too much fun.
karl