Downshifting
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 427
Likes: 4
From: Wyoming
Well I've been driving a C-2 (64) the same one since 1964, and I guess I've been doing in wrong all these years. You do realize that when you put your car in neutral, (YOU DON'T HAVE VERY MUCH CONTROL OVER IT!)
I must have been really lucky, because in 50 years of driving that car I only had to have my brakes done twice, and my transmission once.
I must have been really lucky, because in 50 years of driving that car I only had to have my brakes done twice, and my transmission once.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 466
From: Long Island New York
I am a firm believer in coasting and then shifting into neutral just before coming to a stop, sans clutch - it minimizes driveline wear and tear.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,813
Likes: 287
From: Toronto Ontario Canada
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 507
Likes: 12
If I am coming to a red light or stop sign I simply take my foot off the gas and let the motor's compression slow the car down until I eventually step on the brake and put it in neutral. I never coast in neutral - too dangerous. If I am just slowing down for a curve, or, the red light has turned green, I will double clutch and select the correct gear. Manual transmissions rule for the complete driving experience; don't care if an automatic will shift a few thousandths of a second quicker than a human.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 683
From: Austin Texas
St. Jude Donor '15
Always use the tranny and brakes together, I've had several Corvettes and have put over 60,000 miles on each of them and never had a clutch or tranny problem. Nor have I had to do a brake job. I must be real lucky. But downshifting does allow for more fun and better sound.
I would advise against coasting, though, less control of the car. In 1963 driver's ed course we were taught to never coast.....50 years later I've never coasted.
I would advise against coasting, though, less control of the car. In 1963 driver's ed course we were taught to never coast.....50 years later I've never coasted.
