down shifting- cost?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: California
I have never had a brake job done on any of my cars. You know what that means, don't you? 
And I'm not talking low mileage either: 230k, 180K, 260k, 120k miles.
I always try to let the engine do as much braking for me as possible, whether I downshift or not. Of course, if you are performance driving, downshifting (heel & toe) is a necessity. If you are one of those drivers who races light to light then brakes hard, your brakes probably won't last long.
And I'm not talking low mileage either: 230k, 180K, 260k, 120k miles.
I always try to let the engine do as much braking for me as possible, whether I downshift or not. Of course, if you are performance driving, downshifting (heel & toe) is a necessity. If you are one of those drivers who races light to light then brakes hard, your brakes probably won't last long.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by Rocketblock
It's your car... wear out what you want and pay for it!!! 
Just buy an automatic and you won't have to worry about mis shifts or down shifting or wear on clutches. 
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by Popeye
I have never had a brake job done on any of my cars. You know what that means, don't you?
And I'm not talking low mileage either: 230k, 180K, 260k, 120k miles.
I always try to let the engine do as much braking for me as possible, whether I downshift or not. Of course, if you are performance driving, downshifting (heel & toe) is a necessity. If you are one of those drivers who races light to light then brakes hard, your brakes probably won't last long.
And I'm not talking low mileage either: 230k, 180K, 260k, 120k miles.
I always try to let the engine do as much braking for me as possible, whether I downshift or not. Of course, if you are performance driving, downshifting (heel & toe) is a necessity. If you are one of those drivers who races light to light then brakes hard, your brakes probably won't last long.
It has been over 14 years that I have changed my brakes and I love to downshift. My car has 196,000 on it. 
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 69,020
Likes: 0
From: Bagpipes put the "fun" in "funeral"
Originally Posted by SWCDuke
If you double clutch, the gearbox will last forever.
If you learn how to heel and toe double clutch you can downshift as you brake. This technique must be mastered if you ever wish to become good at racing or hot lapping race tracks, and it also makes you a much better and more astute street driver.
If you're the type that flips it into neutral and brakes when a light in front of you turns red, you should stick to automatics.
Duke
If you learn how to heel and toe double clutch you can downshift as you brake. This technique must be mastered if you ever wish to become good at racing or hot lapping race tracks, and it also makes you a much better and more astute street driver.
If you're the type that flips it into neutral and brakes when a light in front of you turns red, you should stick to automatics.
Duke
Why do you need to be in gear for a red light?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 69,020
Likes: 0
From: Bagpipes put the "fun" in "funeral"
Originally Posted by sorka
The cost? About a quart on a 2001 
Seriously, why brake with two wheels when you can brake with 4?
Seriously, why brake with two wheels when you can brake with 4?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 69,020
Likes: 0
From: Bagpipes put the "fun" in "funeral"
Originally Posted by LS WON
They cause you wear n tear.
Good to know. I'll try to avoid using the brakes from now on.
By the way, if you don't ever start the engine, you will save wear and tear on the oil.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by Thud
Good to know. I'll try to avoid using the brakes from now on.
By the way, if you don't ever start the engine, you will save wear and tear on the oil.
By the way, if you don't ever start the engine, you will save wear and tear on the oil.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 902
Likes: 21
From: Pensacola FL
C6 FAQ Master
Engine braking is relatively cheap stopping power -- using the vacuum of the engine to slow down the car.
But, the thread turns to "heel'n'toe" because manual transmission drivers have to engage the clutch to downshift. Since a mismatched flywheel speed and clutch speed can cause *some* premature wear to the clutch (vice brake pads); therefore, the heel'n'toe advice is well taken...
But, the thread turns to "heel'n'toe" because manual transmission drivers have to engage the clutch to downshift. Since a mismatched flywheel speed and clutch speed can cause *some* premature wear to the clutch (vice brake pads); therefore, the heel'n'toe advice is well taken...
