Switching to lower gear while running.

[elan]

As the winter is on it's way I was wondering...

Is it possible/safe to switch the transmission from D down to 3, 2 and 1 position when the car is running ? The purpose is simple, breaking with the engine on a slippy road like the one with ice and snow. Has someone done that ? Thanks in advance

[billc]

You can downshift as long as the engine speed in the lower gear is not too high after the shift. Going all the way to first is not something that I would recommend at any speed at all. Be real careful because you would be braking with the rear wheels only which could cause the rear to get loose. Overall, I'd say that you are better off using the brakes instead of the transmission/engine to slow down. J30s have ABS, right? May as well use it.

[Defiant]

It won't downshift if it "can't" -if the revs or speed are too high. But, it will know you want to, and will bang it down sooner and harder than usual. It will most likely break the rear end loose if traction's iffy. From D to 3rd almost never will, however. The gearing's not that far apart between them.

[elan]

Thanks, guys. So as I understand switching it back and force is normal and should not cause any damage.

[xxcrashxx]

so.... on a wet road, is it better to start at 1st when accellerating from a still position?? i was accelerating earlier this morning on a wet road, and kinda lost traction on my rear wheels. is this the best way to ensure not losing traction while accelerating???

[DominickJ30]

No this guy is asking if its ok to "engine brake" using his transmission.

I woudlnt recommend it since it could wear out clutches pretty quick if you do it ofter.

[elan]

Thanks, Dominick,

The case I'm mostly interested in is "going downhill on a showy or icy road". For this case it's ideal to limit the gear so the car does not speed up being limited by the engine. In this case the rear will not lose traction. If breaks are used there are more chances for the wheels to lose traction.

crash, on a really slippy road like icy one it's better to start from the 2nd gear. But unfortunately this cannot be done on our transmission. You need a manual one for that.

[Defiant]

And, the J30's 1-2 shift isn't the most gentile in the automotive world.But at least there's the ABS.