Does down-shifting use more fuel?

Well sometimes out here funny things happen and you do need some pep to get out of a situation. You would be surprised at what a big motor can do with 80,000 lbs. If you use your transmission in conjunction with your brakes you will save yourself or you company lots of $$$$$ by not having to get brake jobs done all the time. A tranny will last a long long time if you take care of it.

"A GMC truck was the first vehicle I learned to drive. Descending Colorado mountain grades I frequently used compression.
I also downshifted when slowing for curves or turns and even to slow for traffic signals and stop signs.
Though it was fun, I asked myself, "Why am I transferring what would be a little brake wear to wear on thengine and drive train?"

Dont be asking yourself that question when going down a grade maxed out or you might end up with your truck in long deep gravel off ramp

 

using the "jake" brake is a good practice along with down shifting a few weaks ago driving from maryland into va on a back road in the rain. my trainer(yes i'm a trainee) was driving and a light turned quick and the suv in front of him made a quick stop my trainer was using the jake and brakes but never downshifted and had to push in the clutch esentially putting him in neutral. Well, with only his wet brakes slowing him down he went into the turn lane to avoid hitting the suv. shortly later we swapped seats i was running and a light turned quick on me no one was in front of me however there was cross traffic that said i needed to stop. Well, i started in either 9th or 10th(cant remember what gear i was in) using the jake and hitting my brakes i slowed down as much as i could with that gear and instead of just putting in the clutch and riding the brakes only i made a quick downshift to 7th allowing me to use that gear to slow me down as well and resulted in a much quicker and safer stop of the vehicle. my trainer even comented on making the stop as quick as i did. sorry if that was long and drawn out but it is one of many examples i have encountered on why the jake and downshifting should be used

 

I think that tells us everything we need to know... just another ####### troll.

 

Obviously. If you don't downshift (no matter the situation) in a commercial vehicle, you should not be driving it. It's common practice, and its law for a reason. Don't think you'll get a ticket for coasting a CMV in neutral? Think again.

 

Just a thought on engine brakes Firstly If you arent over reving the engine its not doing it any harm or wearing it out.Secondly I used to have an 892TA that would nearly lock the drive up empty downhill if it was raining heavy and I didnt have the power divider on! Another thing is cruise control in the wet can be pretty scarey Too but thats another thread CHEERS

 

Oh I forgot USE THE ENGINE BRAKE!! Never Ever Use Angel Gear.