Can you mess up the tranny by downshifting in manual mode to slow down instead of applying the brakes?

 

That is my favorite part of the paddle shifters. I love using them instead of the breaks. I doubt you can 'mess up' the tranny, possibly put a little more wear on it, but I am no expert so I really have no clue what I am talking about, other then it being fun to downshift with the tranny at stop lights.

 

I didn't think you could mess up the tranny either but my friend commented on it while riding with me so it got me to thinking. What part of atlanta are you in btw?

 

A little more wear and tear on it is all. I do it as well but try not to make too much of a habit since I'd much rather replace brake pads than a tranny.

 

Whe you are in DS MODE, the car downshifts automatically like that. It was my understanding that having the rev matching was part of this and it did not hurt the tranny. Maybe someone with some factual knowledge can chime in.

 

The rev matching helps, but it's still using the engine and drive train to slow the car down. Won't kill them, but why put wear and tear on much more expensive parts? That's what brakes are for. It may seem cool since all the race cars do it, but they downshift to keep the revs in the powerband to prepare for exiting a turn not necessarily for braking. That's why DS mode does it. Some transmissions also downshift when it senses the vehicle going downhill, not sure if ours do that.

 

Dunwoody. Right near the new Perimeter Center complex.

Also I have a lease a on my car so I don't plan on keeping it forever. I don't abuse it as it won't let you downshift if your revs are too high, but I am sure the lenght of the lease will end before any damage is done to the tranny.

 

As long as I don't hit the rev-limiter I have no problems doing it all day long. the tranny rev-matches so there are no jerks. The only wear is the excessive engine revs and extra gas I waste. Other than that, I couldn't care less - Powertrain is covered for six years. If they want to give me a new tranny in 2 years that's fine by me. I don't plan on owning it pass 36-42 months anyways.