Animagix

I noticed when some people who are driving automatics come upon a red light they shift to Neutral then coast into a stop. Then knock it back to Drive when the light hits green.

Would this harm the tranny in any way?

I'm coming from a stick shift so I know it's ok to let the car coast in neutral down a hill or to stop at a red light (not neutral by means of clutch).

thanks,

c_hunter

Someone once asked the CarTalk guys this, and their response echoed my thoughts: not a stellar idea. It probably adds more wear and tear on the transmission than if you just left it in D.

Animagix

I noticed my father-in-law test driving our RDX in that manner. I didn't think much of it at the time so just thought I'd do a little research and ask around. Now it's time to tell him to stop doing it.

creativeguy

The lag of the auto downshifting will help you stop quicker than if you are 'free wheeling' in neutral. I've been playing with the paddles to downshift when a slight speed decrease is needed like I do in my manual integra. It's worked out well so far. I don't like to use the brakes much in my cars.

Animagix

yeah, that's called engine braking. not very good for the clutch. Brake pads and rotors are a lot cheaper than a new clutch and easier to replace.

happasaiyan

there is no added wear on the clutch by engine braking a manual car. you will save gas (injectors stop firing) and reduce wear on your brakes...not to mention added traction and stability in inclimate weather situations.

if you leave your automatic car in drive while coming to a stop, you will realize all of the same benefits pertaining to manual cars.

c_hunter

I have never had any issues with engine braking a MT car -- in fact I would go so far as to say you are driving the MT car wrong if you don't downshifting coming to a stop. Haven't ever had clutch problems or had one wear out either.

creativeguy

I've been doing it with my integra for 11 years and have never had an issue with the original clutch. I also didn't have to change any brake pads till about 80k miles. That was either the front or the back brakes, so 2 pads are still original at 100k + miles.

Animagix

hmm.. I've only heard the opposite side of this so I never got into engine braking.

Skeandhu

As mentioned above, engine breaking by downshifting is always a good idea. If done properly it can be smoother than braking, if you're cruising on the highway it does not flash your brake lights (which, for some reason, causes panic for all the tailgaters here in Toronto), and it allows the driver to be in the right gear if sudden acceleration is needed (ie: accident avoidance).

On manual cars, the wear & tear on the clutch is dependent on how recklessly the driver changes gears. Rev-matching while downshifting is the best way to go...

My

Never had a problem with any clutches / gears over the life of my cars...

creativeguy

Downshifting actually keeps the tailgaters away from me. After a few good slow downs with no brake lights, they keep their distance.