Down shifting and mileage
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 60
Likes: 1
From: Gainesville Florida
Down shifting and mileage
I have a 2006 C6 and my habit has always been to downshift when coming to a stop to save the brakes a bit and keep the vehicle in a gear where there was quick power if it was needed. I have been watching the instant mileage numbers that are shown in the display and find that as I downshift the mileage declines even with my foot off the gas. Does the engine just suck in extra fuel because of the higher revs even though no gas input is being given or is the instant read numbers just some false reading due to however the cars computer computes the mileage?
Thanks for any advice or opinions.
Neil
Thanks for any advice or opinions.
Neil
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
Likes: 26
From: Austin Texas
Downshifting to help slow down made sense when I first started driving, drum brakes weren't too good. Now with inexpensive disc brakes it doesn't make any sense to use the gears to slow down.
Brake pads are cheap and easy, clutches and transmissions aren't. Around town I'll shift to nuetral before I brake, I like watching that average mileage build up (600 no load RPM and 40 MPH).
Brake pads are cheap and easy, clutches and transmissions aren't. Around town I'll shift to nuetral before I brake, I like watching that average mileage build up (600 no load RPM and 40 MPH).
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
That's a good question. I don't know exactly but my guess would be there's a slight decrease in gas mileage by 'the practice of' downshifting. You're bound to downshift and hit the gas pedal at least some of the time (rather than downshifting and always coasting-down to a stop without ever touching the gas pedal). Even downshifting and never touching the gas pedal I would think you're still running the engine at a higher rpm level...??
For me, the last reason in the world I have a C6 is to worry about gas mileage....I like shifting gears.
For me, the last reason in the world I have a C6 is to worry about gas mileage....I like shifting gears.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6,916
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From: Any City USA
Really no reason mechanically or performance wise to down shift. It also wastes gas! Brakes are cheaper then clutches. However, down shifting to lower gears will help in emergency stop situations..
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,322
Likes: 3
From: Hugetown Texas
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Drive like Granny: Coast to a stop in neutral
Drive like a man: Downshift to correct gear for the speed before stopping
Drive like a pro: Use stopping to practice your heel and toe
As for saving gas, if that is your number one concern, you would be on a hybrid forum, not the Corvette Forum.
- disclaimer: The above comments are my personal opinons and not meant as an insult to any individual, gender or group. No Corvettes were harmed during the evolution of my opinions -
Drive like a man: Downshift to correct gear for the speed before stopping
Drive like a pro: Use stopping to practice your heel and toe
As for saving gas, if that is your number one concern, you would be on a hybrid forum, not the Corvette Forum.
- disclaimer: The above comments are my personal opinons and not meant as an insult to any individual, gender or group. No Corvettes were harmed during the evolution of my opinions -
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,909
Likes: 2,701
From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
The ever so slight decrease in gas milage by downshifing as you slow down is more than overcome by the increase in safety by having the car in a gear where you can use the power to avoid an emergency situation if needed.
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
Originally Posted by VET4LES
I enjoy every shift.
Then a few seconds later they sound off going back up to speed
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Northfield NJ
I downshift and break at the same time Also, I never take the car out of gear unless its a long light. Drive your car how you feel comfortable. Everyone who drives manual has their own stlye. Sometimes when I'm downshifting just one gear I tap the throttle then there is no engine breaking...... Do your thing.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Northfield NJ
Originally Posted by bradb
Drive like Granny: Coast to a stop in neutral
Drive like a man: Downshift to correct gear for the speed before stopping
Drive like a pro: Use stopping to practice your heel and toe
As for saving gas, if that is your number one concern, you would be on a hybrid forum, not the Corvette Forum.
- disclaimer: The above comments are my personal opinons and not meant as an insult to any individual, gender or group. No Corvettes were harmed during the evolution of my opinions -
Drive like a man: Downshift to correct gear for the speed before stopping
Drive like a pro: Use stopping to practice your heel and toe
As for saving gas, if that is your number one concern, you would be on a hybrid forum, not the Corvette Forum.
- disclaimer: The above comments are my personal opinons and not meant as an insult to any individual, gender or group. No Corvettes were harmed during the evolution of my opinions -
