View Poll Results: How do you decelerate?
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How do you decelerate?
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From: Illnoise. WAY downtown, jerky.
Originally Posted by mikegarrison,Apr 28 2008, 04:04 PM
They are also easier to replace than space shuttle first stage solid rocket boosters. This is essentially just as relevant.
I said brakes are easier to replace to prove a point. You seem to have missed it.
The point is that I try not to downshift for regular ass driving because brakes are easy to replace while other parts that wear out from even the BEST downshifting are not easy or cheap to replace.
That is my reasoning, and the reasoning I would give to others.
As smart assed as your retort was, you should put some more thinking into READING.
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From: Covington WA, USA
Originally Posted by B serious,Apr 28 2008, 05:36 PM
As smart assed as your retort was, you should put some more thinking into READING.
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From: San Diego, Wess-Side!!
Originally Posted by B serious,Apr 28 2008, 03:59 PM
Aren't brakes cheaper and easier to replace than engine mounts, clutches, and engines themselves?
I downshift out of bad habit lol. I road race a lot in the summer, so I just get into the habit of doing it. Over the winter, I drive only my DD. I kinda break myself from the habit of it. I just use the brakes. Easy and sleazy.
I'm a really spacey guy. I'm most likely lost in space atleast 90% of the day. I often have a lot on my mind as well. School, work, other shit, whatever. So I downshift without even thinking of it. lol when I realize I'm doing it, I usually stop.
I downshift out of bad habit lol. I road race a lot in the summer, so I just get into the habit of doing it. Over the winter, I drive only my DD. I kinda break myself from the habit of it. I just use the brakes. Easy and sleazy.
I'm a really spacey guy. I'm most likely lost in space atleast 90% of the day. I often have a lot on my mind as well. School, work, other shit, whatever. So I downshift without even thinking of it. lol when I realize I'm doing it, I usually stop.
on your entire post.....
IBTL.....
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[QUOTE=RED MX5,Apr 4 2008, 02:29 PM]OK, I agree that coasting in neutral or with the clutch disengaged is not a good idea, but exactly how do you believe downshifting is causing this so called "unnecessary wear."
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From: Orlando, FL
Originally Posted by SIIK2NR,Apr 28 2008, 08:50 PM
Two
on your entire post.....
IBTL.....
on your entire post.....
IBTL.....
He obviously hasnt read the entire thread, anybody with half a brain and the ability and time to read the entire thread should know better than that.
Im going to smash my head through a wall at the next "Its cheaper to replace brakes than a tranny" comment.
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From: Dry Branch
Originally Posted by B serious,Apr 28 2008, 06:59 PM
Aren't brakes cheaper and easier to replace than engine mounts, clutches, and engines themselves?
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Originally Posted by allenp,Apr 28 2008, 09:52 PM
I'm a bit late in my response, and most topics have been well covered, but I'll answer anyway.
It's fairly evident that no one's perfect whilst rev-matching downshifts, regarding synchro wear or clutch slippage.
So, each time there's ANY work done by the synchros or clutch, there's wear. Plain and simple. True - the wear amount is quite low (especially to the clutch, as the amount of energy involved if you come close is quite low) but nonetheless it's there, and over time and cycles, it accumulates.
My point regarding my conclusion is this: during everyday driving, the lowest overall wear, given an average to above-average driver, is to simply allow the car to slow itself in gear while using the brakes for the majority of the stopping power. Yes - it's true that you can up and downshift all day, many times a day, using proper technique and accumulate very little wear per shift - but at the end of that day you've accumulated more wear than the driver NOT doing those things.
It's fairly evident that no one's perfect whilst rev-matching downshifts, regarding synchro wear or clutch slippage.
So, each time there's ANY work done by the synchros or clutch, there's wear. Plain and simple. True - the wear amount is quite low (especially to the clutch, as the amount of energy involved if you come close is quite low) but nonetheless it's there, and over time and cycles, it accumulates.
My point regarding my conclusion is this: during everyday driving, the lowest overall wear, given an average to above-average driver, is to simply allow the car to slow itself in gear while using the brakes for the majority of the stopping power. Yes - it's true that you can up and downshift all day, many times a day, using proper technique and accumulate very little wear per shift - but at the end of that day you've accumulated more wear than the driver NOT doing those things.
But, hey, who thinks about that, right?
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Originally Posted by RED MX5,Apr 28 2008, 01:11 PM
Anyone care to comment? 
EDIT: Makes me sorry I've wasted so much of my time here.
man, you've helped me out already with one PM. i really appreciate it. if you stopped providing your knowledge here, the whole community would be at a loss. so, please don't stop!
that said, i am guilty of not reading EVERY post in this thread before i posted. i read the first 2 pages and then went to respond.
basically, if i sense that i need to slow down but eventually have to speed up again without stopping, i will lift off throttle, rev-match my downshift. this is to prevent me from sitting in 5th gear while coming up to a light that will most likely change from red to green, and have me fumble to shift back into 2nd so that i can get on my merry way again.
also, i think that my post may have been mis-interpreted or something? i honestly don't think about what is wearing faster when i'm driving. i'm HAVING FUN DRIVING. i don't grind gears, i am not the best heel-toe driver, but i can do it about 2 out of every 3 times correctly, and that 3rd time i usually blip the throttle slightly too much. can't be causing much wear, i don't think.
the only time i really use the engine to brake, however, is down long declines. when i drive from rochester to DC (and back), there are long, downhill, windy roads (mostly in PA) and it's probably better to leave the car in 4th or 5th gear to keep the car at a steady speed instead of riding the brakes for 2 miles. riding the brakes down hills for extended periods of time = overheating --> glazing, warping, etc, and THAT is a costly repair compared to just replacing brake pads.
driving a manual car is second nature to me because i've been doing it for 9 years. my girlfriend got mad at me because i told her she was lugging her integra's engine going up an incline in 4th gear at 19 mph. i was like "hun, shift to 2nd gear, you're killing your engine" and she got completely annoyed with me. oh well, it couldn't hurt to try i suppose.
RED, DON'T QUIT!
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From: manhattan beach, calif
engine braking is a question of preference and opinion-
i always engine brake, and my brakes are still pretty much new- i dont do it to preserve the brakes, but it is nice that my wheels stay clean all the time
!!
i engine brake cause i love to drive the car- and especially love the sound of the dual oval spugens with blip downshifitng!
drove the car to work today- about 1 mile!! barely get out of first, but do have several stop signs. so its a lot of downshifting from second to first- and lots of rev matching.
hey, for me its just another part of the fun of this car!!
i always engine brake, and my brakes are still pretty much new- i dont do it to preserve the brakes, but it is nice that my wheels stay clean all the time
!!i engine brake cause i love to drive the car- and especially love the sound of the dual oval spugens with blip downshifitng!
drove the car to work today- about 1 mile!! barely get out of first, but do have several stop signs. so its a lot of downshifting from second to first- and lots of rev matching.
hey, for me its just another part of the fun of this car!!