Downshifting?

[choiboyogg]

i was reading the manual and it says that for extra breaking power, to downshift just like driving a manual transmission.

but i am wondering, is that bad for the tranny? should i be doing it all the time? or only when i really need extra braking power

[wwest]

Doesn't the statement apply only to downhill runs when otherwise the brakes might overheat?

[Lexusfreak]

Downshifting to 2 & then to 1 (1st gear below 20 MPH) from OD when your trying to slow the vehicle gradually is fine. Just don't throw it in first right off the bat say from 65 mph or something. B)

[50trimdsm]

It is important to match the rpms when downshifting. For example, when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd, while in neutral bring the rpms up to where you expect them to be for 2nd gear. If you dont match the transmission speed with the engine speed yourself, the synchros in the transmission will. Synchros are like brake pads that synchronize the speeds of the engine and the transmission. Unfortunately, like brake pads, synchros wear over time. The better you match rpms between shifts the less you wear your synchros. If the synchros become too worn they wont correctly synchronize your engine and transmission speeds which causes gears to grind.

[50trimdsm]

Sorry, I just reread the original post. Didnt realize that you have an automatic...

[choiboyogg]

yes i have an automatic. sorry i didnt know the ls came in manual tranny.

so would that change any responses? is it bad to downshift while braking if i did that often?

[wwest]

The base rule is....

Brake pads are one hell of a whole lot cheaper and simpler to replace than the clutch surfaces in any automatic transmission.

Actually the same is true of even a manual transmission clutch surface, just that you have a LOT more control with the manual.

[VBdenny]

westt nailed it. Brakes are cheaper than transmissions or clutches. I use the brakes.

[choiboyogg]

thats what i figured. oh well, there goes all the fun!