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It depends how you downshift. If you downshift with your engines rpm too high, you can damage it. However, assuming you know how to downshift, it can extend the life of your brakes. I think it’s smart to utilize the engine to slow vehicle speed. Truck drivers often utilize downshifting to avoid damaging their air-brakes.
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Duration : 0:2:50
13 Nov 2008
Is it better to use the brakes when coming to a stop and letting the computer downshift for you? I’ve read that supposedly if you downshift yourself it will do more harm to the engine/tranny than to just brake and let the computer do it for u..
Thanks in advance 
Well my father always taught me to downshift.. To an extent of course.
Than my Boyfriend made a good point to me (he makes a lot of them).
Downshifting uses your tranny more, and brakes are cheaper than a tranny.
Plus, it's easier on you MPGs! And we all know how we are watching those these days.
Just use your breaks.
07 Nov 2008
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To take part in this international event and pose her a question, visit www.BookOfRubbishIdeas.co.uk, click on the ‘Announcement’ button on the right hand menu bar and send it over.
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Duration : 0:3:48
03 Nov 2008
Im driveing a 96 pontiac sunfire 5 speed. i herd that downshifting will incresse gas milage is this true?
Yes it will. Down shifting and deccelerating in gear uses no gas. It uses compression to turn thae angine. Taking it out of gear puts the engine in idle and uses gas to turn the motor
I have to add more after readin the other idiots. If you Rev yout engine to redline and take your foot off the gas it will use ZERO gas till the car comes to a stop. Downshifting uses less gas for sure.
01 Nov 2008
97 Mit. Spyder — Automatic Trans. When *cold* it stalls when stopping –but only if I'm moving over about 20 mph and the problem goes away once the car gets warm We've tried flushing the trans and replacing trans fluid.
Thanks for the info. Yes, it has Overdrive.
On the fluid flush and change, did you replace the transmission filter too?
This is just a guess, mind you, but you might look all around the engine compartment for any small rubber vacuum hoses that are brittle, split or broken. What you describe may be a vacuum leak…
Have you changed the air filter recently? Also, a dirty MAF (mass air flow) sensor may have an effect on performance…dirty IAC (idle air control) valve could be sticking…
Fuel filter been changed???
Oh, does it have overdrive on it?
31 Oct 2008
Just listen to that downshifting! Vrooom!
SimBin’s boys sure know how to make engine sounds sound good.
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Duration : 0:0:57
30 Oct 2008
I get a clicking noise when I downshift fast from 4th to 1st on traffic lights. Is it Normal or am I doing it in the wrong way, I feel some reistance from the gear lever as well doing it?
Gears in transmissions are synchronized so that shifting between two gears is a smooth process. the syncronizers work by approximately matching the rotational speed of the internal components of the transmission to a point where the teeth on the gears are close enough to the same speed that a shift can take place without the teeth grinding on each other. These syncronizers can only do so much, and attempting to shift from fourth gear down to first will not allow the gears to slow enough or rather allow first gear to speed up enough. The "clicking noise" is the gear teeth grinding together and the resistance you feel is the pressure being exerted by the syncronizer on the gear. Both of which WILL cause severe damage to your transmission over time. The shift down to first should be done at very slow speeds or when stopped. If you are feeling resistance you are going too fast. Remember that just because you have the clutch pedal pressed, the drive axle is still turning the transmission, so your vehicle speed must be in the range of the gear you are trying to engage. Also, resting your hand on the shifter while driving can cause damage to your syncronizers.
25 Oct 2008
to minimize wear on the clutch should I go from 2nd to neutral and release the clutch and put it in 1st when green to get back going or leave the clutch pressed in and stay in 1st and release when green?? B/C I am a new manual driver and dont want to wear the clutch out. Thanks!!! Please ASE certified ppl or manual trans. drivers only!!
And any other websites or friendly tips on how to minimize clutch wear would be great!! I know riding the clutch is not something you should do
Anytime you stop completely at a stop light shift back to first and hold the clutch in or just put it in neutral and relese the clutch. Either way is fine. When driving never ride with your foot on the clutch. ALOT of people do this and burn the clutch out in a hurry. You can cruise with the clutch in also like coming to slow down press in the clutch and glide just don't let up and you're ok. Clutches are EXPENSIVE to have someone to replace if you can't do it yourself. About $200 for parts and then the labor on top of that. Anytime you don't completly stop though like making a turn just shift down to second, not first, and this also minimizes transmission strain. Good luck getting used to the manual. You're also helping reduce fuel usage by doing this so you're helping the environment also.
24 Oct 2008
Note: if you’re an experience driver like me; you don’t have to double clutch. But for all you newbie’s, I recommend you start double clutching until you become fat or better at it, then you can float your boot any way you like. For the split, will if you drive a 10 speed you’ll only have one, and that’s from 5th to 6th or when you are down shifting. A 16 Speed you have one little extra red button, but I’ll explain that at a later date, when I feel like it.
Duration : 0:2:44
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