On my G35 6MT, I don't downshift to reduce brake wear. I only do so during steep hills.

For us 6MT's, its better to just keep it in gear until you reach ~1200 and then step on the clutch (ofcourse, you are also simultaneously braking).

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I have an 04 and it also won't let me downshift at higher gears. Once the car is at a safer speed it then allows you to downshift. So isn't that kinda the same as the 05 feature you're talking about?

 

I only downshift to stay in gear when taking a turn. If I see a stop sign in front of me, I'll shift to neutral.

 

whats the point of downshifting to a higher rpm to reduce brake wear?

Honestly why put more stress on the engine and transmission when you can just use the brakes and just change the pads. Whats more expensive, brake pads or a complete engine and tranny rebuild.

 

i do it all the time in my 6mt and it is good for the clutch to down shift. yes, it wears the clutch but in a way that prolongs the life of the clutch. its called ''scrubbing the clutch'' knocks off any glazing, and keeps the surfaces fresh.

 

?? Why would a downshift do this and not an upshift?

IMHO anything that removes material from the clutch disc is wearing it. Period

 

I would never do it to reduce brake wear. I do it because I like driving the car, but the break wear savings is just an added benefit. As said earlier you should be simultaneously breaking in order to properly match rpms and for your fellow members on the road. Now if you're coasting that's a different story. Maybe you aren't using the breaks as much and since you're more than likely in a driving situation where you're gradually accelerating/decelerating, other drivers should notice or should not be too close anyway.

 

When I think about this I go back and forth on what's better. My conclusion is I'm going to be much more consistent over time fully shifting through the gears(up/down) smoothly as opposed to going into neutral and finding the gear I need from neutral. Over time you could potentially get lazy or become less engaged with the drive by going into neutral and then finding the gear. Bad habits could form. Another idea that comes to mind is, would I ever consistently skip gears on an up-shift, and the answer is always no. Yet another idea is how are auto's engineered? I'm almost positive they don't go into neutral when you decelerate. Not sure what they do outside of that.

I'd love it if we keep the discussion going.

 

Shifting smoothly into the next gear at a lower rpm is probably the most consistent way to better mileage. I think skipping a gear or two would also help. But you would have to do it all the time and drive like a grandma in order to see a diff over just driving very smoothly.

But I don't see how it's necessary to shift into neutral and them dig around for a skipped gear. It should be the same motion as getting into the next gear. Just choosing a different gear.

In general (I've not followed the whole thread), downshifting isn't going to net you better mileage. But then again, not downshift isn't going to increase that much either. Again assuming it's all done smoothly.

Autos are going to upshift gear by gear (not skip). But when slowing down, it might skip a gear depending on what your speed,rpm and throttle position is. ie... if you are coming off the freeway and slowing down to a stop, the older autos will most likely keep the high gear (but probably unlock the TC) and shift into 1st when the car stops. In the newer autos, it might rev match the downshifts when you are approachng the light. I forget if it does that in both manumatic and normal auto or not. I forget.

 

I rev-match and downshift all the time.Yes, it does end up reducing wear on your brakes. I do it mainly to slow down faster when coming to a corner, and so that I'm in the right gear and rpm-band when exiting the corner. This is on a 6MT, of course. On the 5AT...I wouldn't do it...

 

I would rather change my brakes than the alternative.

 

It would seem as if there are pros and cons to either side of this braking debate we have going on here. I have devised a strategy that avoids wearing down the brakes, circumvents excess wear and tear on the transmission and maintains optimal gas mileage…

When approaching a stoplight or obstacle in the road that warrants slowing down or stopping altogether: I simultaneously roll down the windows, raise the sunroof up, pop the trunk and fully open the driver’s door. If you have a passenger, having them open their door as well will dramatically reduce stopping distance but I’m unsure of a way to get that passenger door open myself (still working on it).

This method usually results in slightly greater stopping times so be sure to allow yourself extra room next time you come up to a light. Although this is somewhat inconveniencing, I think the savings speak for themselves.


*Please note this is a joke. Opening any door in a moving vehicle is dangerous and will most likely result in serious injury or death. Refer to the vehicle’s owners manual for instructions on safely operating the vehicle if any of this confuses you.*

 

^ Haha

Not shifting through all gears up and down can damage the syncros in the tranny cant it? or did i hear wrong?

Also when coasting and put into neutral before you start breaking puts more breaking pressure on the breaks then if you were in gear decelerating correct?

 

You should get a job writing up those safety warning labels that they put on cars to warn you on the dangers of operating a vehicle with the convertible top down or without a seatbelt.