Quote:
Originally Posted by Bungle
Brakes are for slowin', gears are for goin'. Engine braking should be used to maintain a reduced speed down a hill, for example. You should not, not, not use gears to slow the car. Very bad practice.
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Hey,
This is a good topic and one which can be answered in many ways as proved with the above statement which is just a personal assumption and not fact I feel.
Using the gears to slow your car down will not prematurely wear your gearbox, putting torque through it to pull away does but unless you totally fumble a gear change at the wrong revs it's not going to cause any problems.
In this instance what is the difference between using your gears to maintain speed going down a hill to using the same technique to help you slow down?
Also, using your gears to slow you down gives your brakes an easier life, remember when slowing down your brakes get hot and this heat generates gas. This gas can build between pad & disk, the pads can glaze over as well reducing your braking power even more. Hence vented, drilled & grooved disks to help dissipate heat.
In todays world of having to save money with fuel bills as well it has already been mentioned that slowing down in gear reduces fuel used, as the ECU doesn't need to keep the engine running the cars momentum will.
I slow down using my gears and always have done and block changed, again as with everyone else it depends if your trying to make head way or just chilling.
Ian