So I've been driving a manual for years and always coasted to a stop in neutral because I assumed that it reduces wear and tear on the clutch and gears. But recently, I got into a debate with some people who suggested that downshifting is the "correct" method to coming to a stop. I just always thought it was a lot of hassle and can't imagine that all the extra clutch work and gear shifting is good for the tranny, even if one rev matches. I know some people argue that it saves the brakes but I routinely go 40,000 before I need new brakes even with the coasting method. What are the general opinions here about coasting vs downshifting? Which method preserves your tranny/clutch better?
Manual tranny - cruise to a stop or downshift?
- Thread starter VeeDubb
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I coast to a near stop with the car in gear, then throw it in neutral before it sputters.
Downshifting is useful in panic stops, or going downhill.
I rarely downshift.
Downshifting is useful in panic stops, or going downhill.
I rarely downshift.
Downshifting vs. coasting. I would rather buy brakes than a clutch. I know that when done correctly, especially if you rev-match, that it doesn't have a tremendous impact on clutch life but there is still friction every time you engage / disengage the clutch. Factor in the wear and tear on synchros every time you shift, and it can add up.
Personally, I coast until the engine slows to idle speed, and pull it into neutral at that point. I sit in neutral with the clutch out until it's time to go.
Personally, I coast until the engine slows to idle speed, and pull it into neutral at that point. I sit in neutral with the clutch out until it's time to go.
Kestas
Staff member
Brakes are cheaper to replace than clutches.
Coast in neutral.
Downshifting is for people who pretend that they have control of the car and like to show off their driving skills.
Rev matching wastes precious gas.
Also, downshifting throws the balance off the braking system. In a marginal braking situation the driving wheels may lock up sooner than they should.
Coast in neutral.
Downshifting is for people who pretend that they have control of the car and like to show off their driving skills.
Rev matching wastes precious gas.
Also, downshifting throws the balance off the braking system. In a marginal braking situation the driving wheels may lock up sooner than they should.
I'm a coaster too...
Kestas
Staff member
I've learned to shift into first just before the car comes to a stop. I find it's easier for the synchronizers to engage when they are turning slowly than when the car is at a dead stop.
I usually downshift to second right before the stop and then clutch in and coast. The clutch in my 1983 Nissan pkp lasted 133,000 miles, even with me learning to drive it.
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Downshifting useful in panic stops.............????
People do irrational things when they panic
If there is nothing going on in traffic near me, I slip it out of whatever gear I was in as I slow down to idle speed, frequently not bothering with the clutch.
If there is a lot of traffic or someone coming up behind me, then I shift to a gear that will give me the ability to accelerate.
If there is a lot of traffic or someone coming up behind me, then I shift to a gear that will give me the ability to accelerate.
I just leave it in whatever gear I was when when I started slowing down, rather than shifting into neutral. If it appears that the light is going to change to green before I get there, I'll downshift to the appropriate gear to accelerate.
I never coast to a stop in neutral.
I never coast to a stop in neutral.
Coast in gear. Let your momentum power your engine accessories. Push it out of gear at 800 or 900 rpm when it will easily slip out without using the clutch if you're coming to a stop.
i like to keep it in D when i'm braking
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i like to keep it in D when i'm braking
You rebel.
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i like to keep it in D when i'm braking
Like the person whose brakes I smelled on I68 going downhill a few months back.
I'm a downshifter, even in automatics. If I have the AC running also I'll downshift, might as well put that energy into spinning accesories. As for clutch wear, I used to say "brakes are easier to change than a clutch" but later realised that clutch wear on downshifts are relatively low torque transfer and thus relatively low friction events.
I usually just slow down by leaving the car in the gear I was in and taking the foot off the gas. If I know I'll have to eventually stop anyway (because of traffic ahead), this results in better mpg as the car consumes no gas when slowing down in gear.
+1 to that
Exception is poor weather conditions, using a gear to break may give more stability than the brakes.
Put the trans in N, let the car coast and lightly pump the brakes.
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