Re: Downshifting for Normal Driving

["Jason Livingood" <jlivingood@comcastpc.com>]

I generally say: "Which is cheaper: a new clutch or new brake pads?"

My clutch is at over 100,000 miles and still going strong (knock on wood). 
In fact, it's one of the few parts of the car I haven't managed to melt,
fry, explode or otherwise destroy.  

I will downshift when I need it for acceleration or when setting up for
coming out of turns, etc.  Otherwise, I take it out of gear (just put the
clutch in and hold it in) and use the brakes to stop instead of using
engine braking.  My dad and his friends used to race cars in the 60s (jags,
bmws, austin healeys, and that sort) and his opinion is that back then when
brakes basically sucked, that using the engine to assist in breaking was
needed.  However, now brakes are so great that engine braking, or
downshifting to brake the car just isn't needed and isn't good.  I happen
to agree strongly and my driving style follows these lines.

my $0.02,

Jason

----------
> From: George S Achorn III <coolidge@nicom.com>
> To: CCA <corrado-l@teleport.com>; Audi <quattro@coimbra.ans.net>
> Subject: Downshifting for Normal Driving
> Date: Thursday, February 06, 1997 2:04 PM
> 
> 	I was reading a tech question in the back of the new Road & Track
(Boxster
> vs. SLK vs. Z3 2.8 Cover) and noticed a letter on downshifting. The
> question was basically about the use of downshifting as braking into
> corners etc. R&T recomended not to use downshifting as a form of
breaking.
> They sighted that while racers do do it, they also frequently rebuild
their
> engines and transmissions. 
> 	I wondered what you all think. I know R&T is liable for their advice, so
> they won't give out advice against a manufacturer's requests, but how
true
> is this. I downshift about 98% of the time as I roll up to a redlight or
> stopsign. Alot of the time it is to be in the proper gear, but I usually
> let the clutch out to help slow myself. I know this is still a good
> practice in the rain or snow, but what of regular conditions?
> 	Later-G