Braking via downshifting with automatic (mileage, engines, diesel, lights)
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I've never heard anyone reputable say it hurts anything. An automatic will not go into a lower gear than what it's designed for; that is, you can pull the selector to the lower gear, but it won't engage until you've slowed enough for it to be safe -- safe for the transmission and safe for the engine (in not overreving).
It's always recommended when towing or hauling heavy loads down steep grades. If it's safe for that, it should be safe on the flats when slowing for a stop sign. I personally don't do it when driving an automatic, but I do it regularly with my pickup (6-speed manual). I've got 150K+ miles on my pickup and am still running with the original brake pads.
Is engine braking less safe since you don't have any antiskid function like ABS? Let's say you were on a wet or icy slope and a sharp turn?
Depends how fast you're going. It could end up making your drive wheels spin if it's slippery enough. But then again, you shouldn't be travelling fast enough for it to be a problem in those conditions anyway.
Why would you downshift with an auto. I know that many autos have the option to shift like a stick but it's a fake shifting. If you want the real experience buy a stick. These auto shifters are lame . I have driven a 18 speed to a 5 speed stick, and there is no comparison.
And do you also like sitting by the woodstove, reading your newspaper by the flickering light from a kerosene lantern?
According to this article from a year ago, only 6.5% of the cars sold in American have manual transmission, and those are mostly either on performance cars or bare-bones budget vehicles, two extreme opposites on the scale. To me it's kind of anachronistic that cars are even sold with manual transmissions today, given how few people want them.
Full disclosure: I learned to drive stick, and I can still grease my shifts going up or down the gears, and today I have a pick-em-up with a 4-on-the-floor, because I do. And over the years I owned 2 VW Minibuses and a Corvair Spyder with manual transmissins, and have some very fond memories from back then.
But Lawdy, the idea of commuting everyday in bumper to bumper traffic, as I did for many years all over the country, in anything but an automatic transmission car just gives me hives. I hate having to keep putting down my coffee.
And absolutely, yes, down shift with an auto transmission if you need some engine braking, like coming down a steep hill, but just around town, I wouldn't play Juan Fangio with either one,
I've camped on the East side of Sonora pass on 108 in CA for 40 plus years. It goes from 9600' to 7000' in a few short miles with grades up to 27%. I've always been amazed at the ignorance of those who refuse to use the transmission for compression braking and they overheat and glaze their brake pads. I always go slow using low gears and brake intermittently so not to overheat my brakes.
Why would you downshift with an auto. I know that many autos have the option to shift like a stick but it's a fake shifting. If you want the real experience buy a stick. These auto shifters are lame . I have driven a 18 speed to a 5 speed stick, and there is no comparison.
I do it ll the time, it's called engine braking
Not everyone can choose an automatic, nor are we impressed that that you think they are lame
I'm not certain why several posters have attacked the OP simply for asking a reasonable question -- what's the deal with some of you? Be nice!
The typical over compensating male. I'm more of a man because I drive a stick
Last edited by NHDave; 09-26-2014 at 05:50 AM..
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