Quote:
|
Originally Posted by David
LIke the others have written, you don't want to use your transmission instead of your brakes to slow down. ON the other hand, if you're going down a steep incline, like a mountain highway, you might want to control speed by using downshifting. There, though, the purpose is to keep your brakes from getting too hot. Usually, this isn't an issue, but if someone is really riding the brakes all the way down a long mountain road (and I'm talking about someone overusing the brakes), it could overheat the brakes.
|
I'm not a professional or even ranked amateur driver so I'll listen to any advice but my opinion and experience is that a good downshift with properly matched revs will better prepare you for your next move. I believe you should be heel-toe downshifting while approaching a turn. On the brakes hard moving through gears sequentially preparing for the transition from braking to accelerating. If you are slowing for a hairpin turn on a track it might be the difference between 6th and 2nd gear. I would not expect a driver to nail the brakes and then match revs to plunk the trans from 6th to 2nd and exit the turn cleanly.
You need to be in gear before you need to accelerate and drifting in neutral or with the clutch in leaves you with just your tires and suspension to keep handling under control. I'd rather use my engine to slow me along with brakes so I can be prepared to apply throttle to control any handling issues while entering or exiting the turn. Again, correct me if I'm totally wrong.