Does Downshifting with the engine gear use more gas than just using your brakes instead? I ask this because when I do downshift, it runs the RPM's up, but it's not like im accelerating..
2007-06-20 06:26:30 · 7 answers · asked by kaos4792005 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Yes, you will use some more gasoline than you would at an idle speed even though you aren't pressing on the accelerator. That is because the engine is running at higher rpm's. If the downshifting is not done carefully, the higher rpm's can also create higher engine wear in the long run. The upside is you save your brakes, and if you do it carefully, you will not see significant fuel usage or engine wear.
2007-06-20 06:34:29 · answer #1 · answered by aqualitydude 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nice question my friend... so let some one who study mechanic answer this
downshift NO NO NO uses a bit of gas, why? when you hit the gas pedal, engine revs gain power and move the trans, the trans move the shafts and the shafts moves the tire making your car go forward
when your car gains speed and you downshift the force of the car going forward enter the engine by the tires (energy transfer go backwards, insted the normal energy transfer show above)
the computers your car has detect the engine revs and don't uses gas until it reach idle speed (if not your engine will turn off)
using downshift + brake will stop your car more faster than auto trans because the auto trans the only way to stop it is using brake power manual trans has that beauty
2007-06-20 07:10:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't worry about how that tactic interacts with gas mileage. But keep in mind:
-engine braking means less wheel braking which means an increase in the time between changing brake pads.
-engine braking does put a strain on your clutch which, if you have a poor vehicle, can't help
I myself like to use both, I engine brake and hit the wheel brakes. I can then go straight into accelerating if I'm going around a curve or just driving conditions change (traffic eases).
The best thing you can do for mileage is to use netural as much as possible. Coasting is one of many cool things about owning a stick.
2007-06-20 06:37:29 · answer #3 · answered by thoughtdream 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's because you hit the gas a little bit when downshifting. hitting the brakes to slow down uses less gas I would assume. the amount you save is probably insignificant to other more driving conditions like driving in traffic and acceleration.
2007-06-20 06:32:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It uses more gas because tou are using a smaller diameter gear to turn your driveshaft,so it turns faster,thus higher rpms.This method greatly prolongs brake pad life,but if you downshift too soon,you can ruin the engine and/or tranny.
2007-06-20 06:37:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your engine is fuel injected it will use NO extra gas. The rpm issue is only valid with carburetors.
2007-06-20 06:58:06 · answer #6 · answered by redscott77092 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as your foot is off the pedal, then the amount of gas wouldn't be that much. But since the engine is turning more rpm's then it will use just a little more. good luck.
2007-06-20 06:30:40 · answer #7 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋