When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I've always liked down shifting to slow down a car. I have never had a problem with it in my last 3 cars and I don't see it causing any issues with this one.
Old myth. No longer the case with modern cars. No evidence of failed transmissions due to regular downshifting.
It's really not.
There's a few long threads about it that explain in detail why it's not only bad for the transmission, it's worse for the engine. Even on a "modern" car. (and to be clear we're discussing engine braking, not just "downshifting" for performance purposes)
Braking and downshifting isn't bad per se. Downshifting instead of braking is bad. It sucks oil up past the rings, puts unnecessary high tensile loads on the rods, wears the clutch harder, or in the case of an automatic, unnecessarily raises the fluid temperature and stresses the Sprague clutches unnecessarily.
There's a few long threads about it that explain in detail why it's not only bad for the transmission, it's worse for the engine. Even on a "modern" car. (and to be clear we're discussing engine braking, not just "downshifting" for performance purposes)
Good links there, but again, there is zero proof of actual transmission failures linked to downshifting. All of it is assumption, hearsay, and opinion. In the end, there is still no hard evidence showing downshifting, combined with regular braking causes problems. This is also the case if you look at a Consumer Reports book showing longterm transmission reliability for Tiptronic-equipped cars.
Lastly, if it was that bad to do, I don't think Lexus would not allow this feature in it's cars in the first place. Heck, no manufacturer would.
Good links there, but again, there is zero proof of actual transmission failures linked to downshifting. All of it is assumption, hearsay, and opinion. In the end, there is still no hard evidence showing downshifting, combined with regular braking causes problems. This is also the case if you look at a Consumer Reports book showing longterm transmission reliability for Tiptronic-equipped cars.
Lastly, if it was that bad to do, I don't think Lexus would not allow this feature in it's cars in the first place. Heck, no manufacturer would.
+1..I agree with you. I have been doing this for my previous car for over 50,000 miles. I had no problem what so ever. I don't understand how down shifting will cause transmission problem?? That sounds more like a assumption than a proven fact..
When i complained to my dealership about my dusty brakes... they told me when I need to slow down, use the paddles to downshift.
Im sure if it was bad.... Lexus would not give us this feature in the first place ...
Yes, because the guys who get paid $$$ to replace the tranny after warranty would be really concerned about insuring they don't get to charge you to do so.
But anyway, given nobody can reprogram the ECU in the first place I'm gonna go with "no" to the original posters question.