when you slow down to a stop light whats i the best way?

1. down shift
2. use your brakes
3. anything else? haha

i was just wondering if down shifting is the correct way, or should you use your brakes.

 

Coasting with the clutch in will net you best fuel economy, engine braking will be easier on your brakes.

 

It depends, which one do you enjoy changing more? brake pads or a clutch?
you should use your brakes. Down shifting, while useful for some purposes, will cause extra wear on your clutch, and puts your engine under more stress.

that being said, i would be a hypocrite if i told you not to down shift at all.

 

well thank you both, i mean crap you can get life time pads for no more then 30 bucks at almost any autozone. thats what makes me think i should stick with using my brakes always.

for the record i never downshift, ever... i hate it lol. i always use my brakes

more input please

 

down shifting is useful. like if your trying to stop so fast that your brakes may lock up, but just for normal driving i say don't waste gas. use the brakes. unless you want everyone to here your "badass" 18 inch exhaust tip. ha

 

i down shift 50/50 because my breaks are glazed and my rotors are glazed and my booster leaks a little.

 

I downshift 100% of the time...(My brakes are shot...)

 

engine break in your current gear and once the rpms get to around 1500 let it coast in neutral to the stop. youll save the most gas this way.

and no dont downshift, its a waste of gas and will shorten the life of your synchros

 

ty for the input.

i really doubt ill hear anything new... i was correct and my dad/mom are just being stupid.

whenever they ride with me they always say something like, jeez stop wasting your brakes. i doubt they realize that my car weights 1000 lbs less then economy style cars now a days.