Question about shifting

[nkx1]

Is it bad for our 5 speed cars to downshift while braking? I know it seems kind of redundant to downshift and brake at the same time, but sometimes if I have to come to a stop pretty fast, it seems to slow the car down quicker.

Also (totally unrelated and maybe a little trivial), what kind of gas cap do you guys/girls have? On mine, it's a cheap feeling black plastic one with white writing on it. My old car (Integra) had a really solid feeling metal one. Just wondering if the previous owner might have lost the original and just bought a generic one.

[Luc]

I used to downshift also, but after hearing a clip on TV saying that it would be cheaper to replace brake pads than transmission-related parts, I've resorted to braking more. Of course, if you are downshifting to run some ricer off the road, by all means, do it.

[Elfumador]

I always downshift and use the brakes . it aint bad for the tranny just don't going 60 and downshift to second

[Peter]

if ur going downhill, downshift, if ur going up, break, and if its just regular road, i usually switch off, but i tend to downshift more, its more fun

[Flipside909]

Is it bad for our 5 speed cars to downshift while braking? I know it seems kind of redundant to downshift and brake at the same time, but sometimes if I have to come to a stop pretty fast, it seems to slow the car down quicker.

Also (totally unrelated and maybe a little trivial), what kind of gas cap do you guys/girls have? On mine, it's a cheap feeling black plastic one with white writing on it. My old car (Integra) had a really solid feeling metal one. Just wondering if the previous owner might have lost the original and just bought a generic one.

Downshifting aka engine braking is fine epsecially if you are drving a long downhill grade or etc. This is especially useful on mountain canyon carving runs. The last thing you wanna do is boil up your brake fluid and lose your brakes to fade. Never ride your brakes going downhill.

As for your gas cap, it's a stanton made unit. All Toyotas use a black plastic cap with White text warning label on it.

[NASTY]

i took my drivers training in standard and the dude always taught me to downshift when slowing down/stopping, but only after youve applied the brakes (because they should do most of the stopping). also, that way when you can speed up again youre ready to go (ie: coming up to a red that turns green)

[Kenn157]

I also downshift and brake. The braking is usually just lightly.

[STR8PYP]

WTF? OK, first of all, define downshifting. If it means you just plop it into a lower gear and let the clutch rev the engine up, you're wearing down the clutch BIG TIME. Second of all, engine braking (a result of downshifting while braking) puts a LOT of wear on the engine as well, effectively decreasing the life of the engine. Third, it may not seems like it, but it DOES put wear on the transmission, because when engine braking, the only thing slowing down the car are the transmission gears, so by putting additional pressure on the gears to slow down the car, you're adding to it's wear since it's already used to accelerate the car! I used to downshift during braking a lot during the first two years after I learned how to drive manual, but after attending racing schools I NEVER EVER downshift the car without rev matching the motor, and that is only done in necessary situations.

Besides, think about how much brake pads cost, compared to replacing your clutch! Doesn't make sense. I'd rather wear down my pads than put additional wear on my engine and tranny.

Hey, if you don't believe me, keep doin it...when you start feeling the effects of the wear and tear you're applying to the engine, clutch, and transmission, I hope you'll remember this.

SC

[solaraguy777]

when u down shift let say from 3rd to 2nd when u hit the clutch while ur right foot is on the brake take ur foot off the brake while the clutch is in hit the gas the so the car rev is up when the rev is up let the clutch out its a lot smoother and u have to downshift when u brake.

[STR8PYP]

when u down shift let say from 3rd to 2nd when u hit the clutch while ur right foot is on the brake take ur foot off the brake while the clutch is in hit the gas the so the car rev is up when the rev is up let the clutch out its a lot smoother and u have to downshift when u brake.

Or...just keep your foot on the brake, and take your car out of gear while braking. You'll save gas, you'll save your engine, and you'll definitely save your transmission. The only wear you'll be putting on the car by ONLY using your brake is the brake pad! That's a VERY cheap item compared to the rest. Do the math.

SC

ps and taking your right foot off the brake pedal to rev the motor up throws off the balance of the car and nullifies and benefit to rev matching, which is mainly used to maintain balance on the car during shifts.

pps why must everything be so complicated these days?! Keep it simple. You wanna stop, use the brake. You wanna go, use the gas and clutch to change gears. Nobody's special...driving is driving.

[Yanks0114]

pps why must everything be so complicated these days?! Keep it simple. You wanna stop, use the brake. You wanna go, use the gas and clutch to change gears. Nobody's special...driving is driving.

LOL. Agreed. Your statement about brake pads being cheaper than a tranny is so true. You brakes are there for a reason

[Flipside909]

pps why must everything be so complicated these days?! Keep it simple. You wanna stop, use the brake. You wanna go, use the gas and clutch to change gears. Nobody's special...driving is driving.

LOL. Agreed. Your statement about brake pads being cheaper than a tranny is so true. You brakes are there for a reason

I'll agree with steve on most of his statement. I disagree when you're decending down a long mountain road or hill. Something that you East Coasters wouldn't understand from long downgrade elevations from 5,000 feet and above.

[STR8PYP]

I'll agree with steve on most of his statement. I disagree when you're decending down a long mountain road or hill. Something that you East Coasters wouldn't understand from long downgrade elevations from 5,000 feet and above.

For the record, I never disagreed with Ryan's position on downhill engine braking. It's helpful in SOME situations and a downhill trek is one of them. Just wanted to clear it up.

SC

[Flipside909]

Thanks Steve! When are we gonna play a round of golf with Dwayne and whoever?

Oh and Carlo...I still wanna go to Mira Vista for a round!

[cdssolara]

Oh and Carlo...I still wanna go to Mira Vista for a round!

The invitation's always open; just let me know when you're up here again. I may be selling my membership, so you better make it soon!