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Joined: May 2003
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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?
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Joined: Oct 2000
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if I know i'm coming to a complete stop, I slow down in neutral. That engine braking stuff is for the old cars where brakes sucked (i.e. 4wheel drum brakes). Today's brakes are good enough and will last long enough to actually USE them.
Ryan
Trollin!
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Joined: Jun 2001
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Originally posted by RTStabler51:
That engine braking stuff is for the old cars where brakes sucked (i.e. 4wheel drum brakes). Today's brakes are good enough and will last long enough to actually USE them.
Agreed. Downshifting also decreases fuel economy. Now with that said, I always downshift, but that's just so the revs are up and ready to take off when I hit the gas again. 
- Zack
WANTED: T-Red HEATED Side Mirrors
FOR SALE: 4 14" Alum Alloys and Nearly New Avid H4s Tires w/ Center Caps
2000 T-Red SVT
1995 LX V6 MTX (RIP)
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Joined: Aug 2002
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Um has he ever heard of car racing? It helps slow the car down, you are in gear so you dont have to worry about that if you are turning or the light goes green, and the engine uses zero fuel. Why the hll would you not downshift.
98 3.0 svt: Sold
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6
Newbie
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Newbie
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I always have my car in gear unless I'm at a complete stop. However, I try to avoid downshifting because its easier to replace brake pads than a clutch.
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Joined: May 2004
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Zippy Zetec on his last legs.
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Zippy Zetec on his last legs.
Joined: May 2004
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what i do is as im coming to a light, ill push the clutch in and put the car in ever gear, but never let out on the clutch, cause im weird like that. but i can let out on the clutch if i need to stop fast for any reason. my brakes do all of my stopping...
Regards, Cole.
Relegating to troll status sometime this week.
New Whip: 1990 Lexus ES250.
Old Hotness: 1995 GL MTX Zetec *IN TRIAGE*
"I had a little friend once, but it dont move no more...  "
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If you don't downshift, and overheat your brakes, you might be replacing your whole car, or worse I don't think the right thing is to drive every trip like you are racing, but there has to be a happy medium. Not downshifting at all is foolish.
Last edited by tbirdjayc; 08/03/04 06:30 PM.
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why would you downshift in normal day to day driving?????i could see it if your racing or playing around...i always put it in neutral and use the brakes...imho brake pads are a hell of alot cheaper than a clutch or transmission parts....which would you rather replace?????
new,new ride!
'99 svt
black/mnb
'95 mustang gt sold!
'98 svt #800 sold!
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Joined: May 2002
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I have no life
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I have no life
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Originally posted by chrisilversvt:
why would you downshift in normal day to day driving?????i could see it if your racing or playing around...i always put it in neutral and use the brakes...imho brake pads are a hell of alot cheaper than a clutch or transmission parts....which would you rather replace?????
DING DING DING, we have a winner.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Joined: May 2003
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CEG\'er
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Is the MTX-75 that weak? I know it's not great, but i thought it could handle something basic like "downshifting".
If you are going down a hill, you don't downshift?
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