I was wondering what the opinion about engine braking by downshifting w/ your 5 AT in manual mode. I did this routinely w/ my standard Honda and prolonged my brake life while still driving on my original clutch when I sold the car w/ 213,000 miles.
I don't care about brake/rotor life now, as I will cash in on the warrantied brake replacement. However, I thought this might prolong break life when replacements will be paid for by my wallet. My concern is possible excessive tranny wear as I am not familiar with the manu-matic longterm wear.
Let me know what you guys/girls think.

Thanks,

g4ian

 

I use my manumatic to slow a lot. To me that's what it's built for and shouldn't cause any issues. As long as you don't redline the engine every time you down shift.
This method will save on brakes but will cost a little more in wear and tear on the engine and maybe a little fuel economy, but I doubt a big factor.
GSM

<font color=red>GSM</font color=red> <font color=black>Silverstone Coupe</font color=black>

 

I don't think it's a big factor ont eh engine wear but I sure wouldn't do it oftern. It is better to change the brakes more often than the rear tires and the transmission. Why stress them more than I have to?

My $0.02

Gurgen

 

I wouldn't do it unless you've got a steep grade to go up or down.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

I've heard you are not even supposed to do this with a manual.. the reasoning being what's cheaper brakes or a clutch... but with an auto I would imagine that the tranny job would be 2-3K at least... that's what the brakes are for to stop your car... I don't think the auto tranny was built for that purpose.

2003.5 5AT Sedan Black/Black Premium/Winter Packages

 

I use mine for mild engine braking daily, up to moderately when I am pushing it some in the twisties. I recently got to drive HWY 276 thru the Pisgah Nat'l Forest in the mountains of N.C. and found the auto-manual great for controlling engine speed and gear selection on that delicious stretch of mountain road. It is a HIGHLY recommended drive if you are ever in that area in the tourism off-season. The only downside was all those bimmers I had to pass. ; )

 

Alderran, you seem to be confusing two applications of engine braking :-). Clutches wear out when they are partially engaged, which happens when only shifting and starting from a stop. If you drive a manual and constantly shift before lights and stop signs to engie brake to a stop, you will definitelyt wear the clutch faster. However, when driving on long descents it is much better to engine brake than to constantly ride your brakes. On a stick shift, this will cause no extra wear. On an automatic, you will run the torque converter in "reverse", meaning the transmission side will drive the engine side. This is not harmful either and torque converters are designed with this in mind. If you use your brakes to maintain speed on a descent, you can warp the rotors or set the brakes on fire (I have seen this on SUV's coming down from Lake Tahoe).

2003.5 6MT Sedan. Carribean Blue / Graphite

 

Coming down mountains, yes, good thing.. keeps the brakes from overheating. For slowing down rapidly in spirited driving, no.. don't downshift. It puts too much stress on the engine.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

i see no reason for engine braking for automatic cars(no flame intented i have AT too) unless you were in downhill or something.. you know why??
WE HAVE 3YR/36K BRAKE WARRANTY!!!
we don't need to worry about brake pad wear out too fast or rotors need to be replaced...

 

With the 6MT, it is okay if you rev match, but if you don't, you will wear out the clutch faster.

Does the 5AT automatically blip the throttle on downshifts?

 

I find very mild engine braking normally on my 5at

It is very mild but noticable at speeds under 45mph

I foun dit very unusual for an auto car but I am now used to it

Have a healthy day!
03.5 G35, Black on Black

 

Uheenada,
I plan on owning my car for longer than the 3 yr/36,000 miles warranty. As my original post stated, I was concerned with break wearing after 36,000 miles. Also, Does anyone know if we can use the G35c brembo brakes/rotors when ours where out. Also, has anyone heard of improvements in the braking system coming down the line to improve brake life?

 

mrman_3k. An automatic does not need to blip the throttle, there is no clutch. The torque converter is a fluid coupling device which has no physical contact between parts. There is nothing to wear.

2003.5 6MT Sedan. Carribean Blue / Graphite

 

You know, it would only make sense for Infiniti to replace the brakes with a better wearing pad/rotor setup, as needed, this has to be costing them a lot of money IMO!


Brilliant Silver/Graphite '04 Sedan/5AT

 

I have a ATcoupe and I brake with the engine, down shifting and the brakes if I want to stop quick, it works like a charm. Cant see it damaging the tranny as the rpms go up to max 4.5k and drop real quick when i downshift.

Crawford Plenum / Z tube + Stillen Hi-Flow / Borla Dual Exhaust / Stillen Xdrilled+Stotted Rotors
Best 1/4 mile 14.371 @ 100.29, 60ft 2.347