Using the gears to slow

Tookey

Tookey

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Does using gears to slow a descent put strain on the transmission especially if the descent is a long one?

Thank you
 
Not unduly, better to hold the vehicle back in low gear than to constantly ride the break pedal. If you've ever experienced complete brake failure due to the drums getting red hot through friction caused by constant use, you would use low gears more. I experienced total brake fade on a fully loaded 8 wheeler going over Snake Pass back in the early 90s, & it definitely opened my eyes...😨😵🐻
 
Pretty sure its been posted before and the general opinion was just to let it rev its nuts off and it wont do any harm. As said though you really have no choice on a long pass. I found out the hard way on the Simplon Pass between Italy and Switzerland in 2009. Its quite a fast descent coming down into Switzerland which made it worse and I had total brake fade. Managed to pump them up again but its a bit scary. Even coming down the Col de La Bonette (Roof of Europe) which is I think the highest paved road in Europe in second and sometimes first I still nearly set my brakes on fire.

We used to get Brake fade on the old scooter, the old 2 stroke Peugeot in my Avatar once or twice in the Alps which is even more scary as it had no gears. :ROFLMAO:
 
Another one for using gears to control speed. Using brakes gently not to over rev. Not unusual to come down steepest hills in first or second gear. Another good reason not to have an overloaded van.
If you've got low range that can be engaged on tarmac, nothing wrong with dropping into low box either.
 
GreggBear said:
I experienced total brake fade on a fully loaded 8 wheeler going over Snake Pass back in the early 90s, & it definitely opened my eyes...😨😵🐻
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I bet it was more than just your eyes that opened :poop:

Definitely use your gears, I pulled over on a long descent on the Alps and the front discs were glowing bright red, if the brake fluid hasn't been changed regularly (1 - 2 years) it will have absorbed water and boil at a lower temperature which also causes brake fade
 
caledonia said:
That’s what yours gears are for to slow you down and your brakes are to stop you. Didn’t your driving instructor teach you that?
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I still remember very clearly the mantra my instructer used to quote - and it wasn't that!!

He use to say "Gears are for Going, Brakes are for slowing"

be different in HGVs no doubt (but not driving HGVs) and adapt for conditions, but as a general policy ......
 
Mind you dont go too quick on the way up as well, especially if you have a heavy load in the back. 😬

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You should descend in a gear that doesnt cause the engine rpm to go into the red even with a slight application of the brakes now and then .

as for gears downshifting to slow no longer taught by car instructors. and with hgv its use of endurance systems IIRC
 
caledonia said:
That’s what yours gears are for to slow you down and your brakes are to stop you. Didn’t your driving instructor teach you that?
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Er, no tbh. So do you only use gears and a quick brake tap if necessary?
 
give it a try .be light on the throttle when driving and slow down if you see a hold up etc in front of you .
only press the brakes if need be.
slow down at the top of down slopes and change down a gear etc
its amazing how many miles you can go and not press the brake pedal at all.
surprises me how many have to press the brakes to slow down if going up a hill and get caught behind others .
read the road look around anticipate a stop etc
 
i came down Mont Ventoux in my lt35 after the brakes broke , with a bit of help from the handbrake . took a while but felt ok .
had front brake discs glowing red on a car once ,when i went through a puddle they both shattered .
 
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