Does downshifting to slow down cause more wear to the clutch? Even if it is upgraded to say a better clutch like a clutchmaster fx200?

 

Its gonna wear the clutch, but wont kill it immediately.I downshift all the time, not too worried about it. Just rev match and you will be fine.
But then again, changing brakes is cheaper then changing clutches.

 

I agree and that is why I don't down shift unless I have to stop fast.

 

I do a little bit of both just depends on what i feel like.

 

how does downshifting help brake or stop faster? I mean isn't faster to throw the car into neutral and slam on the brake?

 

Yes, but you can use compression braking by downshifting. Real racing uses a lot of downshifting because they can slow down and keep their revs up to stay in the powerband. I downshift when I'm headed around a tight corner and I want to pickup speed quickly on my exit. Rolling to a stop at a light is pointless downshifting :D

Regards,

B

 

I agree with you but that help stop fast how?

 

because the engine is doing some of the braking also, not just the brakes

 

^ He's right. I downshift in my other car all the time and it helps slow me down faster than just using the brakes.

 

what are the points in the tC to downshift?
Just to clarify ill give an example. Lets just im going at like 40 mph and i wanna slow down, when would i downshift ?

 

engine slows down, causes tranny to slow down, causes axles to slow down, which is connected to the wheel so it slows down. (basic details)

 

Try this. Do this without ever using the brake or the clutch, of course when the car is about to stall go ahead and use the clutch/brake. Redline 2nd gear and coast to a stop. Lets say you got up to 50mph at redline (this is an example) pay attention to how quick you slow down. Now excelerate up to that speed but shift into 4th gear, then coast to a stop, while staying in gear. I'll bet if you did it how I'm trying to explain it to you, coasting in 2nd gear will slow down way quicker than 4th gear.

 

thats around 3-4 gr range. rev match to the next gear down and you should be able to hit most gears. heel-toe shifting works good too.

 

This might help you a bit.

Downshifting
You'll want to downshift when heading down a steep slope to reduce riding the brakes or when greater acceleration is needed. Downshifting is much like upshifting: off the gas, press the clutch and move to a lower gear and get back on the gas as you let out the clutch. Getting back on the gas quickly is important since downshifting and not touching the gas will slow the car down as the engine compression fights the turning of the wheels ,which is what you want while going down a hill but not when you need to pass somebody. If you are already revving high in your current gear, downshifting may spin the motor beyond its rev limit, and you might throw belts or worse, throw a rod or valve which means it would be time for a major overhaul or engine replacement.

Stopping
Downshifting without touching the brakes to stop is not recommended, the person behind you babbling on the phone might not notice you without your brake lights on, especially at night. You can stay in your current gear down to around 5-15 mph quite easily; at that point, put the car in neutral and use the brakes to come to a complete stop or you can downshift and apply the brakes as well. Downshifting into first is not recommended. For safety reasons, you shouldn't keep the car in gear while waiting at a light. If a car hits you from behind, you foot will be off the clutch, which means your car would jump forward and possibly end up in the middle of an intersection.

Maybe this will explain it better for you?

Regards,

B

 

if i'm on the highway and getting off i'll dow____ 4th, 3rd then just netural for the rest

 

LEarn how to drive...actually...FIRST, GET A TC...then learn how to drive. Rather than filling up the threads with ridiculously basic/dumb questions.