To spare my brakes going down this one hill, I put it in 2nd (2) and coast down at a nice comfortable 30mph. I'm under the impression that this is engine braking, same as on a stick, and that (1-2-3) on an automatic is designed for this (and towing)...am I wrong? And either way, is there any danger to my car by doing this regularly (not quite daily)? I'm driving an '01 Impala. Thanks.
2007-11-09 07:47:51 · 5 answers · asked by Cermo 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You are absolutely correct to downshift your automatic on downhill grades provided the engine does not over-rev. It is designed this way or the manufacturer would not have provided the ability to do so. It is also stated in the Owner's Guide that this can be done, so you are safe. I have been doing this on all my vehicles for the 40 years I have been driving and have never failed a trans or engine. I do this daily.
2007-11-09 07:59:56 · answer #1 · answered by sh752 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't do it because of the strain it puts on ur transmission. If you are towing it is good because the lower gears are your strongest but that is not the same as using the lower gears to slow the car down. The wear that you save your brakes is small compared to the wear you are putting on your transmission which is more expensive to replace than brakes.
2007-11-09 15:52:35 · answer #2 · answered by P_M_B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brakes aren't that expensive, a whole lot cheaper than a transmission. Since you are talking about doing this almost daily, I wouldn't want to put the wear on the tranny. Your call, your car. So do it the way you want, just be aware of the wear on the tranny.
good luck.
2007-11-09 15:57:02 · answer #3 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be ok just make sure you change your trans fluid regularly..
2007-11-09 16:03:15 · answer #4 · answered by nicewknd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing wrong with it. It was made to do that very thing. Not to worry.
2007-11-09 15:56:21 · answer #5 · answered by oldtimer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋