Downshift for braking
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Downshift for braking
Does it hurt anything to down shift to save some wear on the brakes? I've done it before in cars and had no problem, but I also didn't love my cars like I do my F150...
Thanks..
Thanks..
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 292
Likes: 1
From: Houston, Tejas
I have been doing it and have had no problems , but i always just hit the overdrive button and thats plenty braking for me. I have been doing it on my 99SD since new and no problems, do it on my 06 screw , and yes it does cut down alot on the brake dust.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 0
From: Maple Grove, PA
my last truck was a 5speed.....all i ever did was downshift when i was comming ot a stop sign....saved my brakes big time....90,000 and still had the origional pads on the truck...never hurt anything and never will as long as your not downshifting at like 4,000 rpms 
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 329
From: Ontario
I guess there are two rules of thumb on this subject . Downshift and work your tranny and possibly pay for expensive tranny repairs earlier than normal, or use your brakes for what they were intended for and repair those when needed at much less a cost.
I downshift gently with a manual transmission, but never with an auto, unless absolutely required.
I downshift gently with a manual transmission, but never with an auto, unless absolutely required.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Well, as said above...
would you rather cause more wear and tear on a $2000+ tranny
or a set of $50 brake pads?
ALSO...something you learn quickly when you ride a motorcycle....downshifting will NOT activate your brake lights. This is a recipe for suicide on a motorcycle, and a good way to get in a nasty accident in a truck.
BAD idea...
would you rather cause more wear and tear on a $2000+ tranny
or a set of $50 brake pads?
ALSO...something you learn quickly when you ride a motorcycle....downshifting will NOT activate your brake lights. This is a recipe for suicide on a motorcycle, and a good way to get in a nasty accident in a truck.
BAD idea...
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 0
From: Maple Grove, PA
Originally Posted by last5oh_302
I guess there are two rules of thumb on this subject . Downshift and work your tranny and possibly pay for expensive tranny repairs earlier than normal, or use your brakes for what they were intended for and repair those when needed at much less a cost.
I downshift gently with a manual transmission, but never with an auto, unless absolutely required.
I downshift gently with a manual transmission, but never with an auto, unless absolutely required.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Yeah, you make a good point, my post was aimed more on autos.
But, even so, how much does it cost to replace a clutch? I've been quoted between $800-$1300....so, even if I could get another 10-20% more milage off the cluch from less shifting...wouldn't that be worth it?
But, yeah, better on a manual than an auto!
But, even so, how much does it cost to replace a clutch? I've been quoted between $800-$1300....so, even if I could get another 10-20% more milage off the cluch from less shifting...wouldn't that be worth it?
But, yeah, better on a manual than an auto!
Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 329
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by gui88ford
90K on my truck....absolutly no problems at all with the tranny and i always downshifted when comming to stop signs.....i did tap the brakes so people know i'm slowing down......had zero problems with anything....it's not going to hurt a thing.....
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 329
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by Crazy001
Yeah, you make a good point, my post was aimed more on autos.
But, even so, how much does it cost to replace a clutch? I've been quoted between $800-$1300....so, even if I could get another 10-20% more milage off the cluch from less shifting...wouldn't that be worth it?
But, yeah, better on a manual than an auto!
But, even so, how much does it cost to replace a clutch? I've been quoted between $800-$1300....so, even if I could get another 10-20% more milage off the cluch from less shifting...wouldn't that be worth it?
But, yeah, better on a manual than an auto!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 347
Likes: 0
From: Newark, Delaware
when you downshift with a auto what number gear would u go in??? i have a boat and i kno downshifting works when slowing down, but i never really figured out what gear to go in when slowing down. Thanks guys i kno im a bit slower than you all
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 662
Likes: 2
From: CO
That's completely dependent upon the situation.
How about this rule of thumb: Downshift such that a mug of (insert your favorite beverage here) sitting on the dash wouldn't crash into the windshield.
That would seem to be a fair balance of wear and tear between the brakes and transmission.
How about this rule of thumb: Downshift such that a mug of (insert your favorite beverage here) sitting on the dash wouldn't crash into the windshield.
That would seem to be a fair balance of wear and tear between the brakes and transmission.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 0
From: Maple Grove, PA
Originally Posted by last5oh_302
I believe you mentioned your truck was a 5 speed, did you not? In other words, it was a manual transmission, correct? There's a difference. Manual tranny's are designed for downshifting.
would i downshift a manual....YES
is that clear enough...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 329
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by gui88ford
origional poster never said his truck was an auto or a manual....would i dowshift a auto....NO....take it out of OD...YES.....
would i downshift a manual....YES
is that clear enough...
would i downshift a manual....YES
is that clear enough...
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 0
From: Maple Grove, PA
Originally Posted by last5oh_302
Can you even get an 04-07 F150 with a manual tranny? I suppose you can.
it maks an *** out of u and me.....