braking or downshifting

[alexander]

I live in San Francisco and would like to know if downshifting on the long downhills are smarter than braking.The '96 Q has 128k miles on original transmission (showing it's age).Constantly changing brade pads, as any trip out of the garage requires 5 ups and down on some very serious long hills.

[maxnix]

There is an existing thread on this topic with a thorough discussion.

My take is pads are cheaper than transmissions.

[Mint Q45A]

Just leave it in second gear all day long...

[AlabamaDan]

i started the other tread which finalized into what do you want to wear faster brakes or trans. I stopped downshifting and began using brakes. But I hit them and let them rest, I don't ride them. Now I just go fast and ignore the speed limit. Before we start down the hill I give alot of gap between me and the car in front of me.

[Mint Q45A]

C'mon.... just downshift into 2nd and enjoy the car....Otherwise it feels like you are trying to stop a big, heavy boat....

[elwesso]

personally I'd use the brakes.. Last time I checked transmissions were used for making the car go forward, and brakes were used for making the car go forward slower than it was previously.

[Mint Q45A]

Transmissions also help move the car backwards.....

[oldmako]

I can change brakes all by my lonesome with one C note, or two with new rotors. Takes me a coupla' hours and maybe two frosty pops.

The transmission will take a week or two. It will take a second on the mortgage, the sale of one of the kids or maybe whore out the old lady for a week. That transmission scares the crap outa me!!

[Haitian_King]

There is an existing thread on this topic with a thorough discussion.

My take is pads are cheaper than transmissions.

Apparently the thread starter is Charles Q. Moneybags. He has a Maybach 57.

But it's not a 62, so maybe not that wealthy?

[greg_atlanta]

I would use the transmission for long duration engine braking (like descending a mountain) but not for around town.

[Kiven422]

Brakes are easier to replace, some places like Kragen/Autozone have lifetime warranties on their pads. Just wear your pads and swap them for new ones under warranty.

[RAP]

personally I'd use the brakes.. Last time I checked transmissions were used for making the car go forward, and brakes were used for making the car go forward slower than it was previously.

Surely you jest?

For clarification one should consult the owners manual ! ! !

I'll quote: (Drive) Use this position for all normal forward driving.

(Second gear) Use for all hill climbing or ENGINE BRAKING on downhill grades,

(Low gear) Use this position when climbing steep hills slowly or driving slowly through through deep snow, sand, or mud and for MAXIMUM ENGINE BRAKING ON STEEP DOWNHILL GRADES.

Or you could move to where I live and not have to worry about hills High water maybe but that would be fodder for another thread ? ? ?

Jack

[AlabamaDan]

Yeah we discussed all that, but feel it's too much wear and tear on the transmission.

[Haitian_King]

Downshift when going downhill. Overuse of your brakes will cause them to overheat and fail. Downshift and use engine braking. Additionally, never "ride the brakes" when going down a prolonged incline. Brake hard, slowing the vehicle significantly, then coast for a time, then brake again. This allows the brake pads to cool between uses. http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Car-with-No-Brakes

This is what I found while researching the topic. It seems that the best way to go about it is to use a combination of both methods.

[RAP]

Yeah we discussed all that, but feel it's too much wear and tear on the transmission.

Feelings ? ? ? Aren't facts. If I understood the original poster he wanted factual information.

However I am wondering why he didn't refer to HIS owners manual? ? ?

Hopefully he will not encounter "brake fade".

Jack

[alexander]

After all the input, I just decided to get a 'new' transmisson before the existing thing went out on me.At a 128k what am I waiting for?My first Q ('91) died on the SF Bay Bridge at rush hour with the bad trans.No need to experience that again.

[jamesmost]

After all the input, I just decided to get a 'new' transmisson before the existing thing went out on me.At a 128k what am I waiting for?My first Q ('91) died on the SF Bay Bridge at rush hour with the bad trans.No need to experience that again.

my first trans went over 230k mi. b4 i replaced it with a trans from a 91 freshly performance rebuild.most would not have replaced it , was working perferct.

u in benzworld with the maybach 57

[Kiven422]

My first Q ('91) died on the SF Bay Bridge at rush hour with the bad trans.No need to experience that again.

HAHAHA I have broken down on the bay bridge so many times... and this was when it was only 2 lanes oh man it sucked major!