What's Best? Downshifting or coasting in neutral and using brakes?

[Mach 1]

Originally posted by jimberg
Hey guys, my project is done so I may now participate once again.
As far as it adding more wear on the clutch, I would say that it doesn't since you HAVE to shift into another gear at some point when slowing down, so why not do it to engine brake.

Say what? Why do you have to downshift when slowing down? You use your brakes, then when you are rolling to your stop and sitting at the light, you have the car in nuetral or the clutch in. Preferably the car is neutral and the clutch out as to avoid unesasary throw-out bearing wear. where does the having to downshift part come in?



I don't think I would ever just engine brake coming to a stop. I usually just brake, press in the clutch, and downshift based on what speed I'm traveling at. I always like to be in a gear that I can accelerate. I never shift to first unless I'm at a complete stop.

now that makes sense. If you feel the need to go through the gears, knock yourself out, but your not letting the clutch out at each gear, correct?

Maybe thats where Im misunderstanding some of the replys. When people say they downshift coming to a stop, I think they are letting the clutch out between gears, and not just rowing through the gears because they feel like they need to be in a gear in case something happens and they have to move quickly.


There, have at me.