my brakes suck and i use downshifting to slow down all the time. I have never heard of downshifting hurting your clutch. Just do it right...


5th-4th-3rd-2nd...and then 1st after i'm at a stop. :dunno:


actually, if it wasn't for downshifting, most the time i wouldn't be stopping. h:

 

if im slowing from speed ill either just pop it into neutral and cruise down using the brakes or just keep it in 5th until the engine is at idle speed, then pop it into neutral. id say idle speed in 5th is like 15 mph in my car so thats slow enough. downshifting from 5th to 2nd is pretty hard on the synchros, and then to feather the clutch like that is just wasteful IMO. i would only use the clutch for braking in an emergency where my brakes have faded or something.

 

yur clutch WILL wear out so theres no sence in pampering it. Not to say that anyone in this thread is doing that, because I haven't read all the posts. It's just that I'd suggest setting 3 to $400 aside for the specific purpose of an emergency car repair, and you should be alright. That doesn't include tires and what not.
at the same time theres smart driving, and then theres whatever immature people do. No offense for those of you who are young teens and act responsibly. Props to you.............
In a way I guess driving is like playing guitar. Everyone develops thier own method over the years.

 

5th to 2nd shift, poor clutch. I would imagine that's a little rough on the synchros to. :nervous:

I rev match on a downshift, feels really smooth. Also I love to heel-toe when coming into a turn, then mash on the gas. I love sharp turns.

 

i rev match or if its too difficult because I find it much easier in high rpm situations I downshift while braking but I dont downshift until I get to a very low rpm.

 

yea, i got from 5-4-3 and thats it cuz i cant get into my 2nd gear, lol.

but never leave ur car in neutral since it will just roll as compared to "in gear" since it would use the engine to slow ya down, its all about efficiency.

i used to just skip 3rd when upshifting so i can cruise until i heard it was bad for the tranny...

 

I was semi-practicing tonite with the downshift from 5 > 4 > 3 > 2 > stop. It was fun. The teggy let out a nice little growl whenever I let out the clutch just a little...