Down shifting and gas consumption

[oni_cb7]

I have yet to have to replace a clutch due to wear. I Engine brake/downshift to a stop all the time! Your clutch shouldn't slip while downshifting/ ngine breaking! If you are shifting properly and not feathering or slipping the clutch. down shifting should have only a slight effect on your clutch wear.

I was always taught never to neutral brake!

Not to mention, putting the car in neutral while you brake still consumes fuel. The ECU is programmed for both moving and stationary idle. So you have no fuel cut when you roll in neutral. The ECU maintains idle even while rolling.

I know that neutral brake is always frowned upon. I wasn't even recommending that. However, I've noticed that auto cb7s do downshift while braking. But, it does it at a very low RPM and is barely noticeable. The people I've seen downshifting manual trans while braking always do it higher in the rpm range.

It may not be causing a lot of wear, but I would bet that it is definitely causing additional wear that could be avoided.

[lbus9168]

Downshifting correctly gives you much more control over the car than just braking. When you down shift correctly the motor and gearbox work together and it's one harmonious driving experience.

Just braking is bleh

[oni_cb7]

Downshifting correctly gives you much more control over the car than just braking. When you down shift correctly the motor and gearbox work together and it's one harmonious driving experience.

Just braking is bleh

That makes sense on a track, but I still don't see the benefits for daily driving.

For instance: on a track, coming up to a turn. It makes sense to downshift while braking to be in the correct gear for the turn and the upcoming straight.

Daily driving, coming up to a stop sign. Why downshift? Just cause it's fun? Or is keeping your brake pads from wearing as much worth having to work on your clutch sooner? (Yes, it may be a small amount of wear, but when you are downshifting and engine braking for everything that you need to slow down for, the wear adds up)

[deevergote]

There's a fairly high-speed curve on my local highway that I used to downshift on regularly. The speed limit is 35mph, but I was able to double that in the CB7 (*don't do this!) I found that my car felt more balanced when I downshifted at the right moment while entering that curve. Perhaps it was all in my head...

For daily driving, downshifting for anything but engine braking is thoroughly pointless. Then again, making our cars accelerate faster and handle better without taking them to the track is also relatively pointless. We do it because it's fun!
As I said, I heel-toe my Fit to toss it into corners. Pointless, but it makes driving the little egg far more enjoyable. Plus, when I DO get on a track, I'll have a bit of experience doing the maneuver, which I may be able to use to my advantage.