View Poll Results: Downshift or Neutral?
Voters: 34. You may not vote on this poll
Downshift or put in to Neutral to stop? POLL
09-18-2017, 09:46 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Downshift or put in to Neutral to stop? POLL
Do you guys put it in neutral when coming to a stop or do you downshift? I usually just go into neutral unless i'm on a hill. Mostly asking out of curiosity, NOT looking for any arguments for which is or isn't better for the engine, transmission, or car in general in this thread. 
Kind of surprised by the results so far, figured more people would downshift than neutral. My dad hasn't driven standard in 30 years and keeps bugging me about using neutral, mainly why I asked the question.
Edit: Slight typo in thread title, I don't mean using either of those to physically stop or slow down the car, woops.
Kind of surprised by the results so far, figured more people would downshift than neutral. My dad hasn't driven standard in 30 years and keeps bugging me about using neutral, mainly why I asked the question.
Edit: Slight typo in thread title, I don't mean using either of those to physically stop or slow down the car, woops.
Last edited by BrandensBeast; 09-19-2017 at 04:02 PM.
09-19-2017, 04:41 AM
#2
Le Mans Master
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Both...depending. But, usually down shift from highway speed (or when doing spirited driving). Around town on city streets I guess I coast in whatever gear I'm in and neutral as I come to a stop. I ALWAYS put it in neutral to wait out a light to spare the TO bearing.
09-19-2017, 06:14 AM
#3
Safety Car
If I'm coming to a stop, I usually shift into neutral and let gravity/friction slow the car down then use the brakes to finish it off. Years ago I heard a statement: brake pads and rotors/drums are easier to check and replace than the clutch and throwout bearings. It is and I've been driving that way for probably 50+ years. Never say never on downshifting, but it's the rare occasion.
Last edited by hcbph; 09-19-2017 at 06:28 AM.
09-19-2017, 06:25 AM
#4
I've also been driving 50 years. Even took my drivers test in an old Biscayne with 3 on the tree and no power steering.
Have had numerous manual transmission vehicles in that time. Have never coasted to a stop in neutral. Always downshift.
Have had numerous manual transmission vehicles in that time. Have never coasted to a stop in neutral. Always downshift.
09-19-2017, 07:58 AM
#5
Le Mans Master
Clutch in use brakes, I agree easier to change when needed...I used to race cars and I don't know a single race car driver that uses transmission/engine to slow down, they use the brakes.
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09-19-2017, 09:50 AM
#7
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St. Jude Donor '16
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Always go to neutral when I have to come to a complete stop, just slowing for corners I downshift.
09-19-2017, 10:01 AM
#8
Race Director
Neutral unless I want to downshift and hear the engine a little.
09-19-2017, 12:50 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
I use the brakes to slow the car but always leave the car in a gear that matches my speed until coming to a complete stop. Too many years of driving trucks, tractors and motorcycles I guess where you control the speed of the vehicle more with the engine than the brakes. Definelty less wear on the car if you don't downshift IMHO.
09-19-2017, 01:40 PM
#11
Melting Slicks
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Irrelevant to me don't care if it needs a clutch in 4.9 years compared to 5.2 years or brakes 5K miles sooner.
I enjoy the drive the car gets what it needs whenever it needs it or I deem necessary.
I enjoy the drive the car gets what it needs whenever it needs it or I deem necessary.
09-19-2017, 02:17 PM
#12
Racer
I always put it in neutral. It feels like such a waste to go through the motions of downshifting when you can just pop in neutral and brake. I also like to rev match and I can't heel toe for crap so there's another factor. And it helps prevent the bad habit of sitting at red lights in first with the clutch in.
09-19-2017, 04:44 PM
#13
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St. Jude Donor '05
Feel the same about dino and syn oil threads
Screw that "saving it" stuff use it up and enjoy it thats what its for.
Last edited by cv67; 09-19-2017 at 04:44 PM.
09-19-2017, 06:20 PM
#14
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Down shift from highway speeds.
Neutral around town/light braking....
Don't be fooled when Microsoft calls, or someone says you must downshift the entire pattern.
Neutral around town/light braking....
Don't be fooled when Microsoft calls, or someone says you must downshift the entire pattern.
Last edited by JrRifleCoach; 09-19-2017 at 06:22 PM.
09-19-2017, 09:37 PM
#15
Pro
Both...depending. But, usually down shift from highway speed (or when doing spirited driving). Around town on city streets I guess I coast in whatever gear I'm in and neutral as I come to a stop. I ALWAYS put it in neutral to wait out a light to spare the TO bearing.
09-19-2017, 11:08 PM
#16
Safety Car
I almost always downshift to match the needs of the speed. I always downshift when going down a long hill. Into neutral when stopped, of course. I've haven't replaced a clutch in many, many years, and have never replaced one at less than 150,000 miles, so I don't go along with the argument that "brakes are easier to replace". (I just like to shift, as it makes me feel like I'm in control!)
I usually get 75,000 out of my brakes.
I usually get 75,000 out of my brakes.
09-20-2017, 09:39 AM
#20
Pro
Neutral
At low (<1000) RPM, My 85 has a fuel-cut after a couple of seconds at zero throttle. Being a 4+3, this makes it buck pretty good when the cut occurs. After 32 years, I've learned pretty much EXACTLY when to push the clutch in before the cut occurs when coming to a stop. I leave it in gear until I push the clutch in for the stop. I don't shift into Neutral then brake. Sometimes I shift into Neutral without pushing in the clutch. Usually in stop and go driving so my clutch leg doesn't get tired from all the pushing.
I agree with others:
Sit at the light in Neutral.
Downshift only if needed to match desired speed, (like a long off ramp), not to slow the car down.
Brakes are cheaper and more convenient to inspect and replace.
When I DO downshift, especially into 2nd, I pretty much always double-clutch to save the syncro.(Old habit from driving worn-out Muncies in the 70's when I didn't know how to fix them, and couldn't afford the parts anyway.)
Drive it the way you want to. They won't break.
I agree with others:
Sit at the light in Neutral.
Downshift only if needed to match desired speed, (like a long off ramp), not to slow the car down.
Brakes are cheaper and more convenient to inspect and replace.
When I DO downshift, especially into 2nd, I pretty much always double-clutch to save the syncro.(Old habit from driving worn-out Muncies in the 70's when I didn't know how to fix them, and couldn't afford the parts anyway.)
Drive it the way you want to. They won't break.