Re: Downshifting for Normal Driving

[Jon Blake <jonb@u.washington.edu>]

I'll wade on in here as I'm sure this thread will take off. Other than
stop and go traffic, I always double-clutch. My two current cars currently
have 124,000 and 127,000 miles respectively, both original clutches.

I'm 53, been driving since I was 15 in Virginia with a cute little right
hand drive T series MG, still running, still in the family. I've NEVER had
to replace a clutch. Now, I will admit since I want to keep my wonderful
'86 4kcsq for a long time, I will eventually replace engine and clutch.

My point is that properly done, I see no real strain on the clutch and
transmission when downshifting. I see real benefits in car control, with
some saving of brakes thrown in for good measure.

	- jon

On Thu, 6 Feb 1997, Jason Livingood wrote:

> 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
>