I have an automatic Accord and I was just wondering if it is a bad idea to pop the car into D3 while cruising, to slow down? I know ridding in D3 and going to D4 isn't to bad but how bad is the downshift on an automatic? Whenever I do it, the RPMs never get higher than 3500 so I'm not even getting close to redlining it. It would be my impression that it shouldn't damage it but I'm not to familiar with automatics. I know you don't have to press the shift button on the stick to drop it to D3, you can just slide it down. Any information could help... cause it obviously can save on brake usage etc.

 

I'd say it is alot cheaper to wear out a set of brake pads/shoes than to wear out a trans/engine

 

Well I was just wondering how destructive it could possibly be. I mean I know people have to downshift often in manuals so I was wondering if it wasn't bad for an automatic. Since I wasn't forcing the revs high on the shift I wouldnt think it would be that bad...

 

In my eyes, the amount of brake pads you would save from doing this wouldn't be worth the risk of extra wear and tear on your transmission.

 

are you trying to engine brake with a slushbox?

the valves will break before you get any decent braking

 

It brakes really good in first.