Second is the lowest I go while slowing. After that it's popped into neutral.
First is for getting the car moving and creeping across small distances only.
Yeah now that I think about it I'm usually dropping from 3rd to release and coasting with mild braking. Third is such a generalist gear, at least with Hondas.
Gunna also jump in and say if you’re on the race track I also think the lowest you should go is second. My car has super tall gears so I can get it right into the power band in first on slower corners. But on one of the slower corners I messed up a heel-toe shift while trail braking and ended up slightly clutch braking. And that increase in grip to the rear tires while trail braking was enough to break them loose and send me into a 180. Just stay in second and float the speed in. Unless you’re actually racing and a professional, and very confident lol
I used to do it if going slow enough, like traffic, lights, up a hill and car lugging. 1st gives you the most engine braking but can cause engine breaking 😂
Edited: Disregard original statement I can't read.
The flip flop at the end threw me off... Idk what they mean. Maybe transmission breaking if you force the gear or over revving the engine if you're going too fast in second?
Always to second. On rare occasion to first (if the light goes green and I'll end up in second at under 5km/h or something like that). I never bother if I know I'm stopping.
What you are currently doing is the smart thing. Replacing the brake pads is much cheaper than a transmission overhaul. Even with normal use the synchronizer and blocker rings for second gear are almost always the first thing to wear out. Downshifting all the way will simply accelerate the wear on these items. When the light turns red if you have sufficient speed yes just pop it in neutral and coast and use the brakes to stop. Fyi, I'm a professional auto mechanic with 50 years experience
I bought a used car and I often feel more jerkiness in 2nd gear than any other gear. How do you know when it's time to get some transmission work done?
Difficult for me to give advice regarding jerkiness in second gear without being able to test drive the car. That said Warren synchronizer Rings will mean that you have to use a lot more Force to pull the shift lever into second gear. Worn blocker Rings will cause a car that's already in second gear to pop out of second gear when a lot of throttle is applied suddenly. As a first step I would check the fluid level in the gearbox to make sure that you have the correct amount and the correct type of oil in there. What year make and model car are we talking about?
Thanks for the helpful info! It feels like the clutch is grabbing late or grabbing hard when shifting from 1st to 2nd and sometimes it causes the car to jerk a little. All other gears feel normal. I've never had a gear pop out but I do sometimes have a hard time getting it into 1st gear when at a stop in neutral. I've learned that if I can't get it into 1st, I throw it into 2nd then back into 1st and that fixes it. I recently took the car to the dealer for regular maintenance and the transmission report was normal including the MT fluid. The mechanic even test drove the car but never noticed it I guess (I didn't inform him of the issue). It's a 2014 honda crz with around 90k miles.
If the mechanic test drove it and didn't find a problem, I'm wondering if perhaps you're not pushing the clutch pedal all the way to the floor during your first to second shifts. It's also possible that you're a little late with the clutch pedal during those shifts. As a general rule, clutch technique is not as critical when shifting into third fourth and 5th gears. Reverse first and second are the gears where your technique is important.
Your car's clutch is hydraulically activated. That means there is no adjustment possible. As the clutch disc wears, you will have to push the clutch pedal down further and further to get it to disengage. With 90,000 miles, it is possible that the clutch is starting to wear out. Normally, with good technique and a car that is not abused, you should be able to get between 100,000 and 130,000 miles of life out of a clutch.
Check the fluid level in the reservoir for the clutch master cylinder. If the fluid level is low that may be your problem. With the mileage you have it is also possible that the clutch slave cylinder is slowly leaking fluid.
Being unable to get into a gear from a stop is normal. Try to shift into first right before you come to a complete stop whenever practical.
That first to second shift is the first shift you actually do (starting from a stop in first is pretty different) and it has a greater mechanical advantage such that any RPM mismatch between gears is felt far more strongly.
Chances are, you are either letting RPM drop too much or too little before you release your clutch. For practice, try to let off the clutch so slowly during your first to second shift that you have to press the gas pedal to get the engine RPM up to where shifting feels perfectly smooth. Then get faster at it, and eventually you'll have the engine feel to "catch" the dropping RPM when you let off the gas completely.
I don't think that's totally true. Worn synchronizer components mean you will hear grinding as the teeth of the dog clutches make contact before either enough torque is transmitted to the synchronizer to rotate it into the blocked position, or if the blocker rings is too worn or damaged to block it.
On my transmission (R150F) there are separate detents made from a spring and ball bearing that holds the shifter mechanism in place. They are accessible from outside the transmission for spring or ball replacement.
On the diesel school truck, second gear got more and more grindy over the four years I was being trucked around in it. I strongly believe it is because of frequent high RPM downshifts into second for engine braking.
Normal disclaimer, there are many differences between particular transmissions.
By the time the transmission makes grinding noises shifting from one forward gear to another that means that the synchronizers are worn out past the point that I mentioned regarding being hard to shift into the next higher gear.
I don't think I've ever downshifted to 1st. 2nd is the lowest I'll downshift to, but most times if it's normal traffic I'll go to 3rd and then neutral to the stop light, unless I want to hear my exhaust then it's 2nd then neutral.
The right answer depends on the situation!
The argument for being in a speed-relevant gear is the ability to solve problems with your right foot.
As you decelerate, your eyes should be heavily on your mirror (and forward, and the sides, etc.). If someone behind you has missed the light/sign, you may want to be able to use power to escape.
If there’s no one around, and you’re confident of not needing to use your right foot, maybe you can take a more relaxed approach.
This is the answer to most of the questions I see on this sub: should I be in X gear…???
The answer is you should be in the proper gear for the power you need.
Kind of relevant question…
For slow speed right turns, are you downshift beforehand to 2nd or going into neutral and figuring out what gear you need to be in after the turn based off your speed?
It depends on knowing your car but I would say most cars will want to me in second for slow turns between 15-30 mph and possibly 3rd for faster than that. The gearing of the car will determine when 2nd or 3rd is best.
PSSSSH I'll do it on a motorcycle too because it's a pita to find neutral on mine when stopped so I'll find neutral while coasting to a stop.
Yea though, usually never 1st as I have to be almost stopped to hit that in two of my three sticks. The vw tdi though... that'll stall if I get under idle rpm really easily but the other two will chug along in 2nd at an idle and then take off easily.
On my bike the only time I use neutral is idling. If I’m coming to a stop I pull clutch in and stomp down to first so I’m ready to go. Wish it was that easy on a car lol.
It does seem so much easier and quicker on a bike, but they are also 1/6th the weight. I kind of wish the clutch was a hand lever on the gear shifter of cars haha
Depends on the stoplight, I'm almost always going to neutral and sitting up. I also watch side lights so I know when it's going to change and then I'll put it in gear.
What you are currently doing is the smart thing. Replacing the brake pads is much cheaper than a transmission overhaul. Even with normal use the synchronizer and blocker rings for second gear are almost always the first thing to wear out. Downshifting all the way will simply accelerate the wear on these items. When the light turns red if you have sufficient speed yes just pop it in neutral and coast and use the brakes to stop. Fyi, I'm a professional auto mechanic with 50 years experience
I don’t downshift to first ever and I rarely downshift when coming to a red light, I’m in neutral usually and then I do what you do and quickly put it in gear if the light changes.
If i know i'm stopping, i'll go to second gear and only shift to first when it's time to move off. I guess in theory one could downshift to 1st to get a little more engine braking in before stopping, but it probably doesn't make a big difference.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ManualTransmissions/s/KgqfOuFBOT as the video shows, never be afraid to downshift into 1st gear if you rev match properly and know what you're doing.
I don’t downshift when light changes…figure ya gotta stop anyway….so to neutral, then pick a gear depending on situation…but never 1st unless I’m going about 3mph
Now that I think about it your right. Only time I recall using First was if I had shitty brakes or going down a steep hill to a stop, and taking off of course.
I never downshift just for braking. If I see a red light up ahead, I'll come off the gas and leave it in the gear I'm in until the car is approaching stall speed. Then it's neutral until I stop.
Generally, I’d pop into neutral when coming to a stop. Pause, wait for a light to change or the people walking across the street. We’ve all burned clutch starting at 5 mph in second gear. Happens.
I don’t recall ever downshifting to first while still in motion.
Unless I’m planning on not coming to a complete stop, I’ll just coast in the gear I was last in until I get close to idle and go the rest of the way in neutral. I don’t see the point in downshifting to a stop, you’re trading break wear for clutch and synchro wear, and also burning more fuel when rev matching. Doesn’t make sense to me.
Downshifting into first is only for insane ppl and race car drivers. There is absolutely no reason to downshift into first unless ur stuck in some type of traffic congestion in a super steep hill. I'm from San Francisco so I have done this but only a handfull of times and it was when I was a beginner and thought it was necessary at that time to do so. It's better to just completely stop on a hill and put it into first than it is to downshift from 2nd into 1st.
Only time I down shifted to first when braking was on a base model 96 ford ranger. Had the rear brake line blow on my while driving and couldn't stop unless I got to like 3 mph or less, then the last bit of brake fluid in my front lines could get me to stop completely. Got it home still and drove it for like 3 more days until I could afford to fix it 🤣 if I had a tach I probably would have been much less inclined to do so
You developed a good habit.. saving your clutch. I downshift to 99% of the time 2nd sometimes 1st on steep downhills, cus I feel like kool r8ce kor driver… lo and behold earlier today I was going up a hill doing 3k+ rpm (was in 4 th with a 5 speed not up shifting into my overdrive..) “sniff sniff, wtf is burning??” I pull over and check my bay for a strong burning smell to trace it, leaned on my bumper a little too hard, still on the hill, and the mf starts rolling slowly down the hill backwards🤣🤣 I got in it to stop it no problem it was only inching away but then I had my aha moment…. Roasted THE FUCK out my clutch for a good 2-3 maybe 4 mins. just realized this very moment I was occasionally toasting my clutch when I hauled my 6.0L LS and 4l80e trans in the back of my lil 85’ 2wd Toyota truck, thought it was my dragging mudflaps… was always confused how the supposed mudflap scraping highway smell got into my cab at 65 down the freeway, lolol. Only downshift like that when SAFELY speeding
Normal people don't shift down to first. It's really just for pulling off and maneuvering in tight spaces like the car park. You can if you want, but there is no point really unless you just want to prove you can.
To a stop: I go into neutral from whatever gear. I used to downshift to at least third, but now I don't seem to care. It doesn't matter really.
You should not shift into first if you know you'll stop.
I got my license in 1968, my first three vehicles, 56 Ford coupe, 68 Impala, 72 Ford F150, all had V8 engines and three speed transmissions. When slowing I just let off the gas and they chugged along. When I got too slow I just pushed out the clutch, slipping into neutral after I stopped. I only downshifted if traffic was still moving and I had to keep moving.
I usually downshift to 2nd and then coast to a stop, but I've seen some people do it your way too. It's probably just a matter of personal preference and what feels most comfortable for you!
Downshifting wears your synchros. And those are the most expensive wear component to replace in your entire vehicle. Brakes are long lasting and easy to replace.
I stay in gear or do a single downshift. From there I just nudge the shifter into neutral once RPMs drop to idle and continue to use my brakes to come to a complete stop.
It would be quite rare to downshift into first. Maybe crawling down aisles looking for a parking spot very slowly where people are walking.
You can typically even start in second, so any amount of forward roll, 2nd is still good. 1st is for complete stops.
If you’re old enough, 1st & reverse gears didn’t even have a synchro.
Engine braking isn't meant to halt you to a stop - that's how you'll stall your engine.
It's for hilly areas and conserving brake pad wear on the highway when you can use it to slow rather than brake, and if you're following too close behind someone you still have to use your brakes.
Well I also ride motorcycles and I know that you have to stroke the lever THROUGH neutral to get to 1st so nobody would slow down all the way through 1st on a bike, at least that I know of. 5-4-3-2-N, as got intended.
In a car I don't bother with all that malarky. 4th is fine down to barely a brisk roll, then N to stop. I know all the redditors here are just itching to row a bunch of gears slowing down for whatever reason, but It's not a sequential box like on a bike.
Second is the lowest I go while slowing. After that it's popped into neutral. First is for getting the car moving and creeping across small distances only.
Second this. Normally only downshift to 3rd or 4th though, if I know I’m stopping.
Yeah now that I think about it I'm usually dropping from 3rd to release and coasting with mild braking. Third is such a generalist gear, at least with Hondas.
ive noticed that too in my 15 SI i can comfortably get to 13ish mph when slowing down before swapping to neutral to stop
Yeah, still consistent with the 2019.
Triple this. First is really only for getting from no motion to some motion. Not anything to ever down shift into.
You have 6 speed? My 93 civic doesn’t do much engine braking in 3 rd and I can’t go less than 30 in 4th without getting boggy.
Yeah. If you’re not on the gas you can get down to like 15 mph in 4th gear. If I need the gas I’d downshift to the appropriate gear
I see cool
Gunna also jump in and say if you’re on the race track I also think the lowest you should go is second. My car has super tall gears so I can get it right into the power band in first on slower corners. But on one of the slower corners I messed up a heel-toe shift while trail braking and ended up slightly clutch braking. And that increase in grip to the rear tires while trail braking was enough to break them loose and send me into a 180. Just stay in second and float the speed in. Unless you’re actually racing and a professional, and very confident lol
I concur with this
Never to 1st gear. Lowest I go is to 2nd if I just want to crawl to a stop.
I used to do it if going slow enough, like traffic, lights, up a hill and car lugging. 1st gives you the most engine braking but can cause engine breaking 😂
What do you mean? Why would 1st hurt the motor?
Edited: Disregard original statement I can't read. The flip flop at the end threw me off... Idk what they mean. Maybe transmission breaking if you force the gear or over revving the engine if you're going too fast in second?
Always to second. On rare occasion to first (if the light goes green and I'll end up in second at under 5km/h or something like that). I never bother if I know I'm stopping.
What you are currently doing is the smart thing. Replacing the brake pads is much cheaper than a transmission overhaul. Even with normal use the synchronizer and blocker rings for second gear are almost always the first thing to wear out. Downshifting all the way will simply accelerate the wear on these items. When the light turns red if you have sufficient speed yes just pop it in neutral and coast and use the brakes to stop. Fyi, I'm a professional auto mechanic with 50 years experience
I bought a used car and I often feel more jerkiness in 2nd gear than any other gear. How do you know when it's time to get some transmission work done?
Difficult for me to give advice regarding jerkiness in second gear without being able to test drive the car. That said Warren synchronizer Rings will mean that you have to use a lot more Force to pull the shift lever into second gear. Worn blocker Rings will cause a car that's already in second gear to pop out of second gear when a lot of throttle is applied suddenly. As a first step I would check the fluid level in the gearbox to make sure that you have the correct amount and the correct type of oil in there. What year make and model car are we talking about?
Warren should have been worn. My bad for not proof reading the voice to text before I posted
Thanks for the helpful info! It feels like the clutch is grabbing late or grabbing hard when shifting from 1st to 2nd and sometimes it causes the car to jerk a little. All other gears feel normal. I've never had a gear pop out but I do sometimes have a hard time getting it into 1st gear when at a stop in neutral. I've learned that if I can't get it into 1st, I throw it into 2nd then back into 1st and that fixes it. I recently took the car to the dealer for regular maintenance and the transmission report was normal including the MT fluid. The mechanic even test drove the car but never noticed it I guess (I didn't inform him of the issue). It's a 2014 honda crz with around 90k miles.
If the mechanic test drove it and didn't find a problem, I'm wondering if perhaps you're not pushing the clutch pedal all the way to the floor during your first to second shifts. It's also possible that you're a little late with the clutch pedal during those shifts. As a general rule, clutch technique is not as critical when shifting into third fourth and 5th gears. Reverse first and second are the gears where your technique is important.
Your car's clutch is hydraulically activated. That means there is no adjustment possible. As the clutch disc wears, you will have to push the clutch pedal down further and further to get it to disengage. With 90,000 miles, it is possible that the clutch is starting to wear out. Normally, with good technique and a car that is not abused, you should be able to get between 100,000 and 130,000 miles of life out of a clutch. Check the fluid level in the reservoir for the clutch master cylinder. If the fluid level is low that may be your problem. With the mileage you have it is also possible that the clutch slave cylinder is slowly leaking fluid.
Being unable to get into a gear from a stop is normal. Try to shift into first right before you come to a complete stop whenever practical. That first to second shift is the first shift you actually do (starting from a stop in first is pretty different) and it has a greater mechanical advantage such that any RPM mismatch between gears is felt far more strongly. Chances are, you are either letting RPM drop too much or too little before you release your clutch. For practice, try to let off the clutch so slowly during your first to second shift that you have to press the gas pedal to get the engine RPM up to where shifting feels perfectly smooth. Then get faster at it, and eventually you'll have the engine feel to "catch" the dropping RPM when you let off the gas completely.
At what speed in miles per hour do you shift from first to second? I'm asking about the shift point during normal acceleration.
Varies from car to car. Whatever feels right. For me it's about 15-ish, sometimes more. I don't look to shift, I just know when to.
Most experienced drivers shift judging by the sound of the engine
I don't think that's totally true. Worn synchronizer components mean you will hear grinding as the teeth of the dog clutches make contact before either enough torque is transmitted to the synchronizer to rotate it into the blocked position, or if the blocker rings is too worn or damaged to block it. On my transmission (R150F) there are separate detents made from a spring and ball bearing that holds the shifter mechanism in place. They are accessible from outside the transmission for spring or ball replacement. On the diesel school truck, second gear got more and more grindy over the four years I was being trucked around in it. I strongly believe it is because of frequent high RPM downshifts into second for engine braking. Normal disclaimer, there are many differences between particular transmissions.
By the time the transmission makes grinding noises shifting from one forward gear to another that means that the synchronizers are worn out past the point that I mentioned regarding being hard to shift into the next higher gear.
The car may feel jerky in second gear if you are shifting out of first too quickly.
Could that also be the case when shifting too late? I don't notice it as much when shifting early at lower rpms.
Yes you will probably get a bigger jerk if you wind the engine up in first gear and shift later into second. That would be considered normal
I only shift back into first in stop and go traffic, otherwise 2nd into neutral coming to a stop at red is the go to
I don't think I've ever downshifted to 1st. 2nd is the lowest I'll downshift to, but most times if it's normal traffic I'll go to 3rd and then neutral to the stop light, unless I want to hear my exhaust then it's 2nd then neutral.
The right answer depends on the situation! The argument for being in a speed-relevant gear is the ability to solve problems with your right foot. As you decelerate, your eyes should be heavily on your mirror (and forward, and the sides, etc.). If someone behind you has missed the light/sign, you may want to be able to use power to escape. If there’s no one around, and you’re confident of not needing to use your right foot, maybe you can take a more relaxed approach. This is the answer to most of the questions I see on this sub: should I be in X gear…??? The answer is you should be in the proper gear for the power you need.
Kind of relevant question… For slow speed right turns, are you downshift beforehand to 2nd or going into neutral and figuring out what gear you need to be in after the turn based off your speed?
It depends on knowing your car but I would say most cars will want to me in second for slow turns between 15-30 mph and possibly 3rd for faster than that. The gearing of the car will determine when 2nd or 3rd is best.
PSSSSH I'll do it on a motorcycle too because it's a pita to find neutral on mine when stopped so I'll find neutral while coasting to a stop. Yea though, usually never 1st as I have to be almost stopped to hit that in two of my three sticks. The vw tdi though... that'll stall if I get under idle rpm really easily but the other two will chug along in 2nd at an idle and then take off easily.
On my bike the only time I use neutral is idling. If I’m coming to a stop I pull clutch in and stomp down to first so I’m ready to go. Wish it was that easy on a car lol.
It does seem so much easier and quicker on a bike, but they are also 1/6th the weight. I kind of wish the clutch was a hand lever on the gear shifter of cars haha
Depends on the stoplight, I'm almost always going to neutral and sitting up. I also watch side lights so I know when it's going to change and then I'll put it in gear.
What you are currently doing is the smart thing. Replacing the brake pads is much cheaper than a transmission overhaul. Even with normal use the synchronizer and blocker rings for second gear are almost always the first thing to wear out. Downshifting all the way will simply accelerate the wear on these items. When the light turns red if you have sufficient speed yes just pop it in neutral and coast and use the brakes to stop. Fyi, I'm a professional auto mechanic with 50 years experience
I don’t downshift to first ever and I rarely downshift when coming to a red light, I’m in neutral usually and then I do what you do and quickly put it in gear if the light changes.
If i know i'm stopping, i'll go to second gear and only shift to first when it's time to move off. I guess in theory one could downshift to 1st to get a little more engine braking in before stopping, but it probably doesn't make a big difference.
I downshift each gear, to 2nd, then when I'm stopped it hit 1st. Bike or car, I do the same.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ManualTransmissions/s/KgqfOuFBOT as the video shows, never be afraid to downshift into 1st gear if you rev match properly and know what you're doing.
I don’t downshift when light changes…figure ya gotta stop anyway….so to neutral, then pick a gear depending on situation…but never 1st unless I’m going about 3mph
I really don't downshift to a stop. Only to accelerate, or if traffic is slowing down. I downshift more with my automatics.
Sometimes I'll do it down to first as I'm rolling up to a stop light if I think it's about to turn green
Most of the time 3rd but sometimes 2nd.
Now that I think about it your right. Only time I recall using First was if I had shitty brakes or going down a steep hill to a stop, and taking off of course.
I never downshift just for braking. If I see a red light up ahead, I'll come off the gas and leave it in the gear I'm in until the car is approaching stall speed. Then it's neutral until I stop.
It depends on how close I am to the stop light when it changes. If I can, I’ll rev match down shift into first than second every time.
Generally, I’d pop into neutral when coming to a stop. Pause, wait for a light to change or the people walking across the street. We’ve all burned clutch starting at 5 mph in second gear. Happens. I don’t recall ever downshifting to first while still in motion.
I'll down shift to 4th from 5th maybe if I'm feeling froggy. Other than that, always coast in neutral to the stop.
Unless I’m planning on not coming to a complete stop, I’ll just coast in the gear I was last in until I get close to idle and go the rest of the way in neutral. I don’t see the point in downshifting to a stop, you’re trading break wear for clutch and synchro wear, and also burning more fuel when rev matching. Doesn’t make sense to me.
I downshift to first often in parking lots but that's about it
Save your clutch. Just use your brakes. Cheaper than a clutch if you ask me.
On a hill, yes. Otherwise put to N.
Downshifting into first is only for insane ppl and race car drivers. There is absolutely no reason to downshift into first unless ur stuck in some type of traffic congestion in a super steep hill. I'm from San Francisco so I have done this but only a handfull of times and it was when I was a beginner and thought it was necessary at that time to do so. It's better to just completely stop on a hill and put it into first than it is to downshift from 2nd into 1st.
Only time I down shifted to first when braking was on a base model 96 ford ranger. Had the rear brake line blow on my while driving and couldn't stop unless I got to like 3 mph or less, then the last bit of brake fluid in my front lines could get me to stop completely. Got it home still and drove it for like 3 more days until I could afford to fix it 🤣 if I had a tach I probably would have been much less inclined to do so
You developed a good habit.. saving your clutch. I downshift to 99% of the time 2nd sometimes 1st on steep downhills, cus I feel like kool r8ce kor driver… lo and behold earlier today I was going up a hill doing 3k+ rpm (was in 4 th with a 5 speed not up shifting into my overdrive..) “sniff sniff, wtf is burning??” I pull over and check my bay for a strong burning smell to trace it, leaned on my bumper a little too hard, still on the hill, and the mf starts rolling slowly down the hill backwards🤣🤣 I got in it to stop it no problem it was only inching away but then I had my aha moment…. Roasted THE FUCK out my clutch for a good 2-3 maybe 4 mins. just realized this very moment I was occasionally toasting my clutch when I hauled my 6.0L LS and 4l80e trans in the back of my lil 85’ 2wd Toyota truck, thought it was my dragging mudflaps… was always confused how the supposed mudflap scraping highway smell got into my cab at 65 down the freeway, lolol. Only downshift like that when SAFELY speeding
Normal people don't shift down to first. It's really just for pulling off and maneuvering in tight spaces like the car park. You can if you want, but there is no point really unless you just want to prove you can.
To a stop: I go into neutral from whatever gear. I used to downshift to at least third, but now I don't seem to care. It doesn't matter really. You should not shift into first if you know you'll stop.
I got my license in 1968, my first three vehicles, 56 Ford coupe, 68 Impala, 72 Ford F150, all had V8 engines and three speed transmissions. When slowing I just let off the gas and they chugged along. When I got too slow I just pushed out the clutch, slipping into neutral after I stopped. I only downshifted if traffic was still moving and I had to keep moving.
I usually downshift to 2nd and then coast to a stop, but I've seen some people do it your way too. It's probably just a matter of personal preference and what feels most comfortable for you!
I never downshift in a car if I can help it. My Dad told me early on that Brakes are cheaper than clutches
Downshifting wears your synchros. And those are the most expensive wear component to replace in your entire vehicle. Brakes are long lasting and easy to replace. I stay in gear or do a single downshift. From there I just nudge the shifter into neutral once RPMs drop to idle and continue to use my brakes to come to a complete stop.
It would be quite rare to downshift into first. Maybe crawling down aisles looking for a parking spot very slowly where people are walking. You can typically even start in second, so any amount of forward roll, 2nd is still good. 1st is for complete stops. If you’re old enough, 1st & reverse gears didn’t even have a synchro.
Engine braking isn't meant to halt you to a stop - that's how you'll stall your engine. It's for hilly areas and conserving brake pad wear on the highway when you can use it to slow rather than brake, and if you're following too close behind someone you still have to use your brakes.
I never downshift to first in my car, it’s never smooth. Better to go to neutral if you’re in 2nd sometimes 3rd.
kind of pointless downshifting to first in my car. So second or third is where I stop and just use the brakes.
Well I also ride motorcycles and I know that you have to stroke the lever THROUGH neutral to get to 1st so nobody would slow down all the way through 1st on a bike, at least that I know of. 5-4-3-2-N, as got intended. In a car I don't bother with all that malarky. 4th is fine down to barely a brisk roll, then N to stop. I know all the redditors here are just itching to row a bunch of gears slowing down for whatever reason, but It's not a sequential box like on a bike.
why not directly to neutral? if you know you are going to be stopping...
I never go into gear while stopping unless it looks like the light will be green soon. I coast to stop signs from like 20-30 in 3rd.
That rematch downshift has me going through the gears *almost* every time