downshift vs neutral

[mralx152]

I guess I need to do some research. Thanks bud. Whats ur car?

[mralx152]

Just noticed this is my 100th post all in the same month less than 14 days. Lol

[Pickles]

I drive a 2010 hatchback
http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/f103/...7/index10.html

[mralx152]

Nice. Love the headlights.

[Pickles]

Thanks. Built those myself

[mralx152]

Nice. What was ur 1/4 and 1/2 mile times?

[Pontiac1976]

I would not down shift unless you need extra faster stops, because brakes are cheaper easier to replace then a clutch. neutral obviously slows you down less and you'll go farther. But the rpm drops to 1000RPM coast at idle speed. If you’re going to work, time the lights using gas & neutral still save the brakes.

[mralx152]

I would not down shift unless you need extra faster stops, because brakes are cheaper easier to replace then a clutch. neutral obviously slows you down less and you'll go farther. But the rpm drops to 1000RPM coast at idle speed. If you’re going to work, time the lights using gas & neutral still save the brakes.

I can agree with most of that but ive never had to get a new cluch and I ride my cars hard. But than again I do use stage 2 clutchs

[keen joh]

First thing they learn you in car schools in Europe is always use downshifting.... it eases and slows the car smoothly. 15 years ago most cars didnt have ABS so a sudden hit on the brakes could make you slide.

Times have changed, and technology has improved and when it comes to fuel economy and overall economy i would agree that brake discs are cheaper than clutches.

[StarbardGuitar]

In my experience, it doesn't make a huge difference what you do (downshifting, nuetral, staying in gear until you're almost stopped) MPG wise. It's very subtle so long as you drive well. I always anticipate my stops early and start to let the car slow itself, then I downshift with rev matching to not wear the clutch. Then once I have to use the brakes, I heel-toe downshift (again to not wear the clutch excessively) to come to a stop. I will only downshift to 3rd or 2nd depending on the conditions. If I can easily stop, 3rd - if I'm facing downhill or just need to stop quick for some reason I get into 2nd. The engine will naturally want to drop its speed, helping you in slowing down. I don't always do this, sometimes I can anticipate a stop and just gently brake in gear. My mileage never changed much. I did tests driving my same routes using only neutral and braking, downshifting and braking, leaving it in gear and braking, and heel-toe downshifting. The mileage was basically the same for all of them, only varying maybe 1 or 2 MPGS at the most. So, I'd say do what you like doing. I personally just feel more in control downshifting, because it really helps slowing you down. But some people think it's extra work.