Who here downshifts?

[Airmaster]

Hey guys, every forum I visit I pose the same question... Do you downshift to aid in braking?

I'm interested to see what people do and how they drive their stickshifts.

I happen to downshift, got used to it in my old Rav4 and I have carried it over to my truck.

IMO, I save my brakes and I gain a bit in MPGs, nothing is completely proven. BUT, I have driven the truck without downshifting on one of my tanks. It was the worst gas mileage I had in a while, so I quickly returned to my fun downshifting ways, lol.

 

[racsan]

i downshift while braking, just habit i guess, its how i learned to drive, dont even give it much thought.

 

[JC 97]

I have owned a 5spd since '92 and have always downshifted to aid in braking.

 

[02RangerXLT]

I only do it in big trucks and semi's. Only do that due to weight of what I'm pulling, never have in small cars or small trucks.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Most people don't do it correctly, I downshift on hills but usaully not to slow down unless I will be speeding up again. Brakes are cheaper than replacing synchros which you will wear out faster if you don't double clutch. It's amazing how many people I ride with that downshift every single gear every time they stop, it just isn't necessary.

 

[4x4junkie]

I tend not to in routine driving. I figure if saving some wear on my tranny synchros means I have to replace brakes a bit sooner, so be it (it's a lot easier to replace brakes).

I do use a low enough gear to avoid riding the brake excessively down a long grade however.

Edit, yeah exacty what Hahns said lol

 

[Mac]

I think the whole secret in down shifting is learning to match the RPM's. I got so good with my old 4 speed, I could do it with out even using the clutch. Takes practice not probably not reccomended. I never give a thought to downshifting, just do it.
Dave

 

[mp3deviant721]

I don't. I'd rather replace brakes than a transmission or clutch. I will however downshift for hills to avoid overheating the brakes. But I do coast in gear to stop lights and signs and throw it into neutral before the engine starts to lug.

 

[Airmaster]

Most people don't do it correctly, I downshift on hills but usaully not to slow down unless I will be speeding up again. Brakes are cheaper than replacing synchros which you will wear out faster if you don't double clutch. It's amazing how many people I ride with that downshift every single gear every time they stop, it just isn't necessary.

I've gotten used to simply downshifting into each gear except for first. Sometimes I'll just use 5th to 4th to 3rd, then stop.

Is that what you're saying or would you consider my downshifting excessive as well?

 

[Hahnsb2]

I've gotten used to simply downshifting into each gear except for first. Sometimes I'll just use 5th to 4th to 3rd, then stop.

Is that what you're saying or would you consider my downshifting excessive as well?

It depends, 2nd and 1st are definitely excessive in most all situations.

One of the best things you can learn to do is double clutch your downshifts, this will take a lot of work off of the synchros.

 

[LIMA BEAN]

It depends, 2nd and 1st are definitely excessive in most all situations.

One of the best things you can learn to do is double clutch your downshifts, this will take a lot of work off of the synchros.

I duece the clutch too but rarely downshift past 3rd.

 

[nb11]

Speaking of clutches and synchros, mine won't go into first very well, and third is as low as I can downshift. Also, sometimes I'll stick it in first only to have it pop out of gear when I let off the clutch. Should I replace/fix something?

 

[Airmaster]

It depends, 2nd and 1st are definitely excessive in most all situations.

One of the best things you can learn to do is double clutch your downshifts, this will take a lot of work off of the synchros.

sorry to sound dumb or slow, but how exactly do i double clutch? What is it that you do differently?

 

[feellnfroggy]

Great another cold air intake debate LOL. I downshift, I dont care about brakes or clutches its just what I do. I do however do it with this truck because I haveno rear brakes and need the assistance.

 

[Airmaster]

Great another cold air intake debate LOL. I downshift, I dont care about brakes or clutches its just what I do. I do however do it with this truck because I haveno rear brakes and need the assistance.

Yep just trying to get more debate in, I thought there wasnt enough so... u know lol