Originally posted by tbirdjayc:
So i was reading a post on another car site where a guy claimed he put his car in nuetral and used the brakes to stop whenever he needed to stop or slow down. I immediately called him a fool because you never want to completely disconnect power from the wheels, especially when slowing down. In addition, you should be downshifting a manual car when slowing down to keep from possibly overheating your brakes. Anyhow, i was suprised by how many people had never heard of this, and called me a fool for not just leaving my car in gear and braking. Now i learned to drive stick from my dad who is pretty old school (69 mach 1 4 spd was his last stick car). But since i started doing it, I can't imagine driving without downshifting down a hill or into a turn, or when coming to a gradual stop. These guys are telling me its bad for the engine, synchros (though if i have time i double clutch), trans, etc. Is it really safe/good practice to not downshift when slowing?
I have had almost the exact same thing happen to me. My dad taught me how to drive stick, his last manual being a '69 Stingray (that we still have), and told me to downshift while slowing down. Every one of my friends that drives a stick doesn't do that, and has never heard or thought of doing it. It's strange I tell ya. BTW I did notice a considerable decrease in brake dust on my wheels after starting to do this.
Matt
2002 Subaru Impreza WRX (WRB Stage 4+)
Old Rides:
1999 Sil-Fro SVT Contour 3.0L with goodies (Totalled 6/21/06)
1988 Bronco II (Sold)
You know you launch hard when you beat oncoming traffic through their own crosswalk lines.
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