I own a 1999 Ranger which is a 5 speed. I am new to driving a stick and i can drive it very well, mind you. But i was wondering if it is normal to shift the way i am. Say i am in 4th gear, and i come to a red light or a stop. I would normally go to 3rd then to neutral, drift to a stop and put it in 1st. Or maybe even 4th to neutral, then to a stop. But should i be going through all of the gears until i get to first? Just wondering if that would be damaging the engine in any way.

 

I guess you haven't drove a 18 wheeler then, only kidding. It sometimes depends on how fast you are moving or road conditions. As a truck driver myself I shift down if times is on my hands, but you also have to think about the braking you will need to do also. If you try and shift from 4th to 3rd and you are travelling to fast you will find it hard to put into gear and if you get it into gear hang on as you will go from 60mph to 20mph in no time. So use your own judgement annd drive safe.

Mark

 

That is called downshifting.

While it does ~definitely~ have appropriate applications - such as using the engine as a braking force to slow the truck - it also has long term effects that you need to be aware of.

#1 - It makes you engine wear faster.

Before you other guys start hollering; think about it. It's
definitely true. And it can be a geniunely significant factor depending on the driver's technique and the terrain.

#2 - Do the math; overhauling the brakes is really really cheaper than overhauling the engine.

~Generally speaking then~ forget downshifting and use the brake peddle. Your wallet will thank you in the long run . . . unless you live on a really big hill or something

P.S. If anyone says anything about 18 wheelers; remind them they can often go 300,000 miles hauling 80,000 pounds between inframe overhauls. It's kind of an ant hill to SKYSCRAPERS thing

 

that is a good wisdom advice ctfuzzy. A person only learns from their mistakes.

Mark

 

I've learned that even if I coast to a stop with the clutch in I keep it in a gear just in case someone pulls something stupid and I need to accelerate out of the situation. It saves time and has saved me a few times. I picked that one up from riding my motorcycle.

-Jim

 

Hey guys ;
Interesting topic you are all on! Well...When I was taking my lessons to obtain my CDL, I was thought that "You should not down-shift because you want to use your engine for braking; You are to use the brakes, this is their job!" Plus when a person is behind you and you downshift, you may create an accident, fishtail or both! These rules are good to know cause when bad weather is here this intensifies the accident ratio many-fold!
Even the Rangers we drive; with there light cargo areas...fishtail galore!

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90 Ranger 2.3L EFI 2wd Mazda < with many new parts!

 

I always use my brake to stop, and not downshift. Manual says not to downshift when stopping.

When I am coming to a....'normal' stop at a light, for instance, I will push in on the clutch, and use the brake to stop. However, if I am starting to slow down a long way back and still need some engine power to move along I will downshift to the appropriate gear based on the speed, so the engine doesn't lug.

However, If I am going down on a steep hill with a heavy load or towing a trailer I would use my engine to help brake. I also use the engine to help brake when slippery (snow or ice).

Does that sound right?

Digger

 

It sounds just right to me, Digger.

 

This only works in ice and snow. Stomp brake, shift to first, crank wheel, WOT
But seriously, if you do like to downshift be careful in the ice and snow. Downshifting to soon tends to lock up the wheels worse than a gentle foot on the brake and worst can send the rear sideways instead of just locking up.
Besides being a little harder on the engine, downshifting wears on the drivetrain if you aren't geting your engine up to the proper speed before throwing it into gear. That sudden surge(slowdown) when you first let up the clutch can be stressful on the truck.

 

Oh yeah....done that.....

Another question that I have been wondering about. While stopped at a light are you supposed to put it in neutral and release the clutch, or can you just leave it in first (with clutch in o'course)? Are ya doin any harm to the clutch there?

OH! Another question: when do you guys usually shift? 3000rpms? Upshift that is.

Digger

 

i usually upshift at 2000 to 2500 rpms