CLuv

I'm considering doing this after talking to a mechanic.....What's ur take on it...???

Brandicus

iTrader: (6)

I used to do it sometimes with the overdrive button but I heard its not very good for the tranny so now i just leave her in D.

Thermactor

iTrader: (1)

VERY occasionally, for ****s and giggles, no more. I do it often on the work Isuzu truck to take advantage of the engine braking though

Jasbmo

would you rather downshift to slow down or use your brakes?

would you rather replace your tranny or your brake pads?

would you rather work 9A to 5P to 9A to 12A?

naggalowmo

I downshift from 4th to 3rd by turning off the OD when getting off the freeways and such. Helps engine brake a little. I think its okay as long as you dont downshift at too high rpms or high speed.

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

Agreed. If you do this, you must know what speed the car shifts at, and make sure when you shift down the it doesn't exceed 5,000 RPM, just to be safe. I don't downshift though. I don't think about it.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Nope...why?
There have been old school thoughts regarding this practice still floating about. It is kin to the K&N air filter discussions. Some believe in it and others don't. Some have encountered tranny problems, others not...

lorenzo816

Yes,
most definitely downshift in the RIGHT places.
Like driving thru mountains on switchbacks.
You will melt your rotors and boil your brake fluid if you don't downshift.

But HWY or City driving, maybe 3 times a year but like you guys said - low RPMs.
You must know when to shift.
OD to D - mostly though.

And if any of you have experience with our small southern towns.... (don't blink or you'll miss downtown)
there are a ton of these towns in NC and SC where you go from 55 mph to 20 mph and brownie-bear 5-0 is waiting for ya to say hello.
Thats the only time I have ever put it in 2nd gear, to prevent a ticket.

MCHolyG

i downshift quite a bit. when i'm in stop n go traffic, and i know i won't be reaching 50, i turn off the overdrive. no point in having the tranny going in and out of 4th gear. when i'm coming home, i have to go down a windy hill with speed bumps. i put it down into 2nd and let the car coast. the motor keeps it at a decent speed for the speed bumps and i dont ride the brakes all the way down the hill. rotors on this car warp soo easy, so i try to help it out a little. but i dont try to pretend its a manual trans. that's a good way to encourage an ECAT brain hemmorage. i'm pretty sure these cars have smart ecats too, they learn your typical rpm range and anticipate shifts in pwr and normal.

GammaLex

LOL

greenvy2k

well i used to drive my other car like it was a manual. i abused that car. It is 2000 Dodge neon. it now has 120,000 miles on it nothing wrong with the motor or the tranny, drives fine. The only thing is that i had to replace the radiator because the atf line fitting to it broke off. other than that no prob.

greenvy2k

i don't abuse my ls though