To downshift or not to downshift? for engine braking...
09-12-2006, 05:43 AM
#1
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To downshift or not to downshift? for engine braking...
Ok this might be a silly question.. BUT back when I first got a car it was a 73 VW beetle a.k.a death trap. In helping with braking I used to downshift because I was told it's good to downshift. So then as i moved up through cars I have always downshifted.. When I got my 2000 Honda Civic Si ( ugh rice ) I used to downshift to help stopping. But NOW that i have my Black Beauty 04 A4 USP 5 speed 1.8t I wonder if it's such a good idea. I mean it would seem to me that brake pads are a cheaper replacement than a worn transmission.. if anyone knows about this silly topic that has been in my mind for a while please shed light.. and NO i wont chip my transmission.. and yes i did STFA 
09-12-2006, 05:54 AM
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downshifting should not wear on the tranny if you rev match
I rev match sometimes, but not all the time. I guess heel-toe method is best but I have tried and tried and for the friggin life of me can't get it right.
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09-12-2006, 06:53 AM
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I'm told 'Hendon' teaches braking ...
Hendon being the Met Police driver training school. Reason being brakes are cheaper than clutches. But this doesn't mean pull up at a junction in top gear - not that you would do that.
However, it has been a while since I've had members of Thames Valley Traffic division sitting next to me shouting instructions so it could all have changed!
However, it has been a while since I've had members of Thames Valley Traffic division sitting next to me shouting instructions so it could all have changed!
09-12-2006, 07:25 AM
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best way to "heal toe" in our cars is to place your right foot 1/2 on the brake and "roll" onto the
gas pedal. You should be able to do it on the stock pedals but the AWE ones make it much easier.