Does down-shifting use more fuel?

I hope robert is joking, if he drives like that , how did he get his cdl driving like that.

 

I would stop asking so many questions of professionals if all you are going to do is argue. Drive however you choose. But a lot of us will not turn and kill our selves to save someone who made a mistake or bad gear choice. Coming through straight and hard baby.


Truck crosses three lanes of traffic on Interstate 70 in Vail
No injuries reported in Saturday afternoon accident


Vail Daily

 

you guys are an accident looking for a place to happen--when you have the truck out of gear coasting--you dont have full control of the vehicle---and you use only your breaks---it costs nothing to use the jake brake--it doesnt hurt the engine--using the gears to slow down doesnt hurt the engine--(unless you dont know how)--
i can honestly say i am the opposite--i dont use my foot brakes unless i have to--i use the jakes and transmission gearing to slow down--and apply as little foot braking as neccesary--brakes arnt cheap--when you consider that the othr ways dont cost a cent

 

Ok, i can't speak for Robert but i never said anything about being in neutral. What i'm saying is why downshift in situations other than going down a hill? Let's just say for now on flat terrain.

If, let's say i see a red light 600 ft. ahead. and i'm in 9th gear on a 10sp. What is wrong with remaining in 9th gear and lifting off the accelerator? i get to about 200-300ft. and the light changes to green. i've lost some speed so now i shift into 6,7, or 8 and accelerate. What is wrong with this?

NOTE: i don't do this. But this question has made me wonder why i should not.

 

that way is ok--unless you are going to slow--and holding up traffic--it gives the less wear and tear of anything--but when coming up to a light you know you will have to sit at--its best to gear down as come up to rather than coast-but if you are watching your lights far enough ahead you can pick what you have to do

 

When moving, a vehicle should always be in a gear that allows the operator to maintain control of the vehicle. Coasting in neutral, or, with a manual transmission, being in too high of a gear for the road-speed of the vehicle does not allow the operator to maintain control. In many jurisdictions, that would be a fail on a license test. Anyone who doesn't understand that basic fact has no business being behind the wheel.

 

Being a trainer for many many years...both commercial rigs and fire apparatus...my findings:

1. An "extra-weight" vehicle does not drive and is not driven the same as a regular car or pick-up truck.
2. The new driver (inexperienced with the weight and dimensions) of a rig tend to drive the same as the vehicle they drove before.
3. This new driver, even though trained (taught) how to properly operate the "extra weight vehicle" will continue to drive like a 4 wheeler. Finding short cuts or just take a lazy approach to the operation of the "extra weight vehicle".
4. Being lazy, or misinformed about the operation of the "extra weight vehicle" is common, especially when the new operator is not the "owner" of the vehicle and therefore will not incur the cost of repairing and maintaining said vehicle.

"Extra weight vehicles" are designed to be operated correctly! The change in brake systems (spring brakes to air), the number of gears, the compression brake system, the heavy duty transmissions and drive trains...are put there for a reason. The number of gears to go through to get to traveling speed aren't only for getting "up to speed" but also to reduce stresses on the multiple parts and components when slowing or stopping. Each gear has a speed/RPM range, both increasing and decreasing, so the need for every gear slowing is optional, yet in getting "up to speed" every gear should be used.

It can be assumed when seeing an "extra weight vehicle" being operated, just how much experience, how well the operator has been taught, by watching the operation of the vehicle from behind. The driver that "rabbits" off the stop line, "bucks" the truck at every lower gear....then invariably does not use a turn signal when changing lanes or turning onto different streets....is a lazy, uncaring, unprofessional operator.

There are so many "little signs" just from observing the operation of a vehicle that shows the degree of training, and the level of "professionalism" this operator applies to his/her trade! So many "steering wheel holders" claiming to be "professionals" not only in the OTR groups but also in the local delivery, construction, and EMS "extra weight" vehicles!

 

This is a completely brain dead statement!

You can not POSSIBLY be serious!