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Does down-shifting use more fuel?

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by Robert Gift, May 1, 2011.

Page 2 of 11
  1. May 2, 2011 #11
    Robert Gift

    Robert Gift Light Load Member

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    When approaching a stop sign or RED signal, I coast and use brakes, only.
    When you consider the wear to everything: clutch, throw-out bearing, transmission synchromesh, reving engine - just to come to a stop, it is not worth downshifting.
    I did this withe dump truck and all vehicles.
     
    Robert Gift, May 2, 2011
    Robert Gift, May 2, 2011
    #11
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  3. May 2, 2011 #12
    Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

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    Then you were just a wheel holder and not a driver. After short order in any truck or vehicle you should know what gear corresponds to what speed and be able to downshift to save brakes. Brakes are cheap. But when gone you're screwed. Clutches are made to slow down as well as accelerate if used properly. You got a lot to learn.
     
    Big Duker, May 2, 2011
    Big Duker, May 2, 2011
    #12
    Brickman and punkinhed Thank this.
  4. May 2, 2011 #13
    Robert Gift

    Robert Gift Light Load Member

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    Brakes are cheap. Made to wear and they wear very little. I check them and replace them myself and have gotten wear way beyond expected mileage. (But I also drive gently.)
    If accelerating from slowing and not stopping, then it is OK to already have in the correct gear for speed and engine loading.
    Otherwise coast and brake and save wear and tear on everything else.
     
    Robert Gift, May 2, 2011
    Robert Gift, May 2, 2011
    #13
  5. May 2, 2011 #14
    Big Duker

    Big Duker "Don Cheto"

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    And when the light changes and you're coasting along and have to grab a gear ? More chance of over reving there. Need to be in control of large vehicles. Not to say hit every gear all the way down. That would be too much.
     
    Big Duker, May 2, 2011
    Big Duker, May 2, 2011
    #14
    Brickman Thanks this.
  7. May 2, 2011 #15
    Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    :yes2557:


    I had to double check the thread location to see if it was in the joke section.

    Where do people come up with these thoughts?
     
    Brickman, May 2, 2011
    Brickman, May 2, 2011
    #15
  8. May 2, 2011 #16
    Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Ride around out of gear on your CDL test and see if you pass.


    Engines are designed to help with the hold back process. Especially semis.
    Why else would they put compression brakes on them?????????????
     
    Brickman, May 2, 2011
    Brickman, May 2, 2011
    #16
  9. May 2, 2011 #17
    Robert Gift

    Robert Gift Light Load Member

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    Dems for downgrades.
    I never used them in town unless I was going down a hill.
     
    Robert Gift, May 2, 2011
    Robert Gift, May 2, 2011
    #17
  10. May 2, 2011 #18
    Powell-Peralta

    Powell-Peralta Road Train Member

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    Instead of saying this is a joke etc., why don't you guys explain, in detail, why downshifting is such a good idea in situations other than going down a mountain?

    What about just leaving in the last gear you were in when you see a red light?
     
    Powell-Peralta, May 2, 2011
    Powell-Peralta, May 2, 2011
    #18
  11. May 2, 2011 #19
    Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Every one is entitled to an opinion.
    How ever this time yours isn't the right one for commercial vehicles.

    What you choose to do in your personal vehicle is one thing.
    But don't try to claim that its safe for a semi.
    Truck engines are designed to slow a truck down, flat or down grade.
     
    Brickman, May 2, 2011
    Brickman, May 2, 2011
    #19
    Yup Thanks this.
  12. May 2, 2011 #20
    Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    WHY would you suggest such a thing? This is why these posts are a joke.


    The reason is VERY simple and if you don't already know the answer then you have no business being in a truck.

    BECAUSE YOU CAN'T TAKE OFF FROM A STOP IN THE GEAR YOU WERE ROLLING ALONG IN PRIOR TO SEEING THE RED LIGHT.





    As for down shifting to slow down. Thats been explained already too. Semi engines are designed to hold back and/or slow down a truck. This is not just for steep hills. Explain to me how the engine knows if you are going down Vail pass or slowing down for a stop sign 1/4 mile ahead. You can't because it doesn't. Its a deaf, mute and blind mechanical thing that is designed for two things. Power and helping to r etard forward momentum.
     
    Brickman, May 2, 2011
    Brickman, May 2, 2011
    #20
    ULSD Thanks this.
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