Auto downshift braking

[HydroponiK]

I frequently turn off overdrive (shift to 3rd) on my auto to help assist with braking when I'm trying to slow down fast. Do you guys think it's safe for the tranny?

[Mole]

it's safe on the trans, but by doing so, you are wearing the trans down faster.

only do so if you are in need of a FAST stop.



brakes are cheaper than trannys.

[HydroponiK]

That makes sense, thanks for the quik relpy.

[Jai_Jai_Binks]

the only time i disengage od is when i need more rpm's to take off...n i have to agree the dude above...brakes are cheaper than a new tranny (thats one of the reasons i never down shifted on my m/t ie. engine braking..i usually dropped it in neutral and coasted till stop lights).

[hari-bhari]

if you ever are in a situation where you need to slow down real fast, punching your brakes and having the ABS kick in will provide enough stopping power to negate any small difference that downshifting creates. it will put strain on your tranny, and like jai said, replacing brakes is cheaper than replacing a tranny. in short, i wouldnt do it...

[somethingcool]

I think the only time it would be appropriate to turn off the o/d like that is on a long descent that you might have to worry about the brakes overheating. Basically you want to turn off the o/d in hilly terrain and leave it on for the flat stuff.