I drive a 1994 Accord LX coupe with a four-cylinder engine: (whichever of the two that it's made in that holds more oil and has the smaller oil filter gasket)
I've heard on the one hand that downshifting facilitates oil pumping to clean out the engine, saves wear on the brakes, and keeps the engine from idling, which is its least optimal state for durability and fuel efficiency.
On the other hand, I've heard, "Don't downshift because it's bad for you car."
Can anyone answer my question with a satisfactory explanation of WHY?
2006-09-07 13:05:15 · 20 answers · asked by A Box of Signs 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Yes, it is a manual. Downshifting is a pain in the ball in an automatic because there is no clutch. I just don't do that.
2006-09-07 13:48:37 · update #1
I was always told that downshifting spared the brakes but used more gas, and braking in neutral saved some gas but was harder on the brakes. So that being said, I actually tend to balance it out. When I'm really on fumes, I brake in neutral, and when I know my brake pads are getting shot, I downshift more.
I've been driving sticks for 20 years and I've never heard that either one is 'bad for the car', though.
2006-09-07 13:15:36 · answer #1 · answered by Shepherd 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Downshifting for breaking probably isn't bad for your car. Although it might be hard on your automatic transmission since it has to speed up how fast it is spinning the liquid inside in order to not stall out your engine.
As far as for normal running, you should run in the best gearing as possible for fuel efficience while travelling. If you are downshifted and running along your engine will have to make more revolutions per minute than you need to. Of course, the total number of engine revolutions your engine makes is directly related to eventual engine wear. So it is possible you rings might wear out faster. But it will probably not show up for a number of years.
The only real reason for downshifting is to Alleviate work upon the engine.
Going up a fairly steep road can tax your engine almost to the point of stalling out. By increasing the number of revolutions it must make, it reduces the chance of stalling. Like wise, when going down a steep incline the extra resistance of the engine helps to brake for you so you don't overheat or permanently weld your brakes to your rotor.
The other instance I can think of for intentional downshift is when hauling a heavy load in a trailer or such that is hooked up to your car.
2006-09-07 13:14:40 · answer #2 · answered by special-chemical-x 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Downshift to use the engine to brake, saves wear on your brakes
Idling is the most optimal state for fuel efficiency and no it does
not do anything on the oil pressure.
Ase Master Tech
2006-09-07 13:13:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
IF you're talking about a standard shift transmission.
The only thing you have to worry about with downshifting is backpressure in the cylinders on the exhaust stroke. That can wear your engine faster.
You need to think of that little bitty tranny, too.
If it's an automatic, LEAVE IT ALONE!!!!!! If it's an overdrive use the overdrive on the highway ONLY!!! Overdrive use for in town will screw up the electronic settings and ultimately your engine and especially the tranny.
2006-09-07 13:10:43 · answer #4 · answered by x_southernbelle 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worse On Clutch And Transmission,(Brake Shoes Are Easier And Alot Cheaper Than A Clutch Or Transmission
2006-09-07 13:13:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Always brake only, unless you are going down a hill. Downshifting puts strain on the connecting rods, and the valve-train. And new brakes are cheaper than a new tranny or engine rebuild. Also, do not idle in 1st while waiting for a light. That wears out your throw-out bearing.
2006-09-07 13:08:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think as long as you keep the rpm's in check while downshifting and don't run out past red-line you should be ok to downshift. Like any other driving technique ---- all within reason.
2006-09-07 13:10:18 · answer #7 · answered by cdnponygirl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Down-moving actual speeds the engine up. An engine's velocity is self sustaining of the automobile's velocity. The conversion of rotational velocity (the RPM length on your tachometer, in case you have one) to automobile velocity is accomplished by the transmission and power prepare. as quickly as the grab is in or the transmission is desperate to impartial, the engine has no connection to the wheels and could decelerate at its very own %. till it reaches idle. Down-moving possibly wont do any major harm to your automobile till you the two do it horribly incorrect or for many some years, yet utilising brakes till the engine is close to it is idle velocity and then putting the transmission into impartial would be your perfect wager.
2016-12-12 04:30:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brake in neutral. It actually puts more strain on the gears to downshift every time you want to stop. You'll knock the teeth off and they'll rattle around in the enginel
2006-09-07 13:11:30 · answer #9 · answered by Chellebelle78 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You down shift when your car is lowering a speed, such as in a turn, going slower (like 20 mph) then you were at when you up shifted...
It does NOT, "save wear on the brakes".
It does NOT "keep the engine from idling".
God I hope you are smarter then this...
Tell me, is this for a STANDARD or AUTOMATIC car?
2006-09-07 13:12:45 · answer #10 · answered by ICG 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋