i always downshift to a stop... saves the breaks. yup, thats what i do.

 

Because when you're in gear you actually have the control of the car and can either accelerate or decelerate if needed.

 

You can tell that guy that he's an idiot. Any professional school of driving will teach you to downshift (and use brakes at the same time) when slowing down.
Not that we all do (neutral-brakes) it but it should be the proper way.
There's a difference of course if you hit the limiter while downshifting and not really using the brakes and killing your car.
Than he's right to yell at you

 

I never pay attention to that. It also depends on how fast i'm going and what do i want to do afterwards i downshift.
If i want to stop i try to use the brake a little bit before downshifting and while downshifting and not rev the car too much and if i want to pass someone by downshifting i'm trying to get in the higer revs for more power.

 

man i just downshift watching my gauges it works out better that way. also depending how fast i need to slam the brakes

 

if you dont downshift, you are a moron. unless you like spending all kinds of money to get your brakes fixed. automatics "automaticaly" downshift for you, but some people just dont understand that.

 

Did you guys grow up with drum brakes?
Why would you ever downshift?
Brakes are so powerful today there is no need to downshift.
Any time you use anything mechanical there is wear.
This includes everything from your left shoe to the cv joints.
There are probably at least 50 items.
The fewer parts you use and the smoother the better for your car.
It would be just as useful to juggle tennis ***** while stopping.
Does anyone here downshift while racing?
I am guessing no.
My 2 cents.


After thought...
Maybe you guys have less wheel cleaner expense

 

Ok I am with skibum on this one......

The original post says "downshift" coming to a stop, not "let off the gas". Right?

SO killing your clutch, with unnecessary shifting, instead of using your breakes in neutural? Strange

Would rather replace my break pads then my clutch anyday......

If you are slowing for a turn, dumping in second for a quick getaway thats one thing, but downshifting to a red light is pointless..... More control huh?

 

actually....all race car drivers downshift into turns. then again they don't need to drive their cars for 80,000 miles. and they also have sequential gearboxes which necessitate downshifting.

 

Apparently I downshift at too high an RPM and make a whining noise. like into 2nd around 30.

 

Actually i did grow up on drum brakes

 

Sorry about that you must be a little older.

I have been to four Porsche Club of America driving schools.
Never have I been told to downshift.
Heel and toe shifting is taught to match revs but, never to go thru every gear on the way down.

cupoznj made a good point about sequential gear boxes in racing.
Your street cars probably don't have sequential gearboxes.

 

I usually down shift when coming to a stop. Only sometimes I put it into Neutral. But I will be downshifting all the time when I get my exhaust system put on

Cheers

 

I just put it in neutral and apply the brakes.

 

I downshift because it's the cool thing to do.