Coast in neutral or down shift ?

617 Views 12 Replies 13 Participants Last post by EPilot, Feb 6, 2002

r8r

Discussion Starter · Feb 6, 2002

Coast in neutral to a red light and stop ? Or should I be downshifting as I approach the light ?

Car's manual says not to "idle" the engine whenever possible 'cause it's bad for the Cat Converter - ??? So downshift it is ?

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djGolfGTI

· #2 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Coast in neutral or down shift ? (r8r)

I usually downshift so if the light turns green while I'm still slowing down, I'll already be in the right gear and I can just punch it!

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Blue Flame

· #3 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Coast in neutral or down shift ? (djGolfGTI)

save your brakes and downshift

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Deception

· #4 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Coast in neutral or down shift ? (Blue Flame)

quote:[HR][/HR]save your brakes and downshift
[HR][/HR]

it should be "Save your tranny and brake"; replacement brake components cost a lot less than replacement tranny/clutch components. It is unecessary to downshift when you know you're about to come to a complete stop at a red light -- just pop it into neutral and let off the clutch and brake. Same goes for stop signs and such.

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dgraffius

· #5 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Coast in neutral or down shift ? (Deception)

Also remember that if you simply downshift, your brakelights will not show to those behind you as they would if you put it in neutral and use the brakes. I always do the latter because it's both easier and safer.

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Green-Golf

· #6 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Coast in neutral or down shift ? (r8r)

I usually down shift once, say from fifth to third, then let the engine brake me till I need to binders.
This doesn't work if you tailgate the car in front of you

As far as no brake lights goes, well thats why I have insurance

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flyjetta

· #7 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Coast in neutral or down shift ? (Green-Golf)

I put it in neutral and brake... unless I'm feeling aggressive that day and want to hear my exhaust growl... then I downshift

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H2O WOLF

· #8 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Coast in neutral or down shift ? (r8r)

Definitely coast in neutral. I'd rather replace brake padshttp://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif than syncros and tranny components. http://****************.com/smile/emthdown.gif
Of course, I'm known for being hard on my brakes anyway.

[Modified by KonigGTI, 9:13 AM 2-6-2002]

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downbylaw

· #9 · Feb 6, 2002

i just lay off the gas and clutch and let the car slow down by itself, and use the brake when needed. then i shift to neutral right before i come to a stop. shifting to neutral immediatlely seems pretty unnecessary and really counterintuitive if you think about it. the car is going to roll faster if you're in neutral.

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achtung

· #10 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Coast in neutral or down shift ? (r8r)

IB4TL - this was a topic a few days ago. Surprised the lock monster hasn't locked it already.
P.S. - I usually coast in neutral when coming to a stop.

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steez

· #11 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Coast in neutral or down shift ? (downbylaw)

quote:[HR][/HR]i just lay off the gas and clutch and let the car slow down by itself, and use the brake when needed. then i shift to neutral right before i come to a stop. shifting to neutral immediatlely seems pretty unnecessary and really counterintuitive if you think about it. the car is going to roll faster if you're in neutral.[HR][/HR]

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Liquid1.8T

· #12 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Coast in neutral or down shift ? (steez)

When coming to a light I usually pop in the clutch and leave it in gear. If I have to stop I use my brakes. Theres no need to downshift.......why put your engine under uncessary stress?

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EPilot

· #13 · Feb 6, 2002

Re: Coast in neutral or down shift ? (achtung)

quote:[HR][/HR]this was a topic a few days ago. [HR][/HR]

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