How to Downshift a Manual Car Correctly

Historically we downshifted manual transmissions because brakes were unreliable.
This fallibility of brakes persisted well into the 1960s.

At that time, automotive manufacturers implemented dual braking systems.

These systems created two independent sub-systems; therefore, if one system failed, the other would continue to work normally.

As well, if the entire system failed, the parking brake served as yet another failsafe.

On slippery conditions, skid pad tests have shown that rear-wheel lock up can be potentially dangerous.

Thus, for riders and other drivers, if the rear wheel lock up on slippery roads, a driver or rider could potentially lose control of his/her vehicle and risk a crash.

Finally, why would drivers use a $15,000 drivetrain to save $400 brakes?

This has been the dominate theme in downshifting a manual car for the purposes of slowing the vehicle - save the brakes!

Relatively speaking, brakes are inexpensive compared to a clutch or other drive train components; therefore, use the brakes.
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[lfnayolga]

Thank to you I pass my g2 drive test 😊😊😊😊

[SlyRoapa]

The reason for downshifting is you've just come to a tunnel, you've rolled down the windows, and you've got a V8 under the bonnet. Let me play you the song of my people.

[limespider]

From money fuel economy, to prevention of wear and tear, to traction, to drive train vs brakes, and historical reasons, you explained so many good reasons why not to downshift. Thank you.

[Bobscents]

I used to in my personal vehicle, not anymore. What you have said makes complete sense and I hope my transmission accepts my apologies for being so stubborn and causing her so much grief. Please keep up the Smart Sense videos. Your insight and experience I value greatly to get the most out of my car and my money. All the best!

[Miguel-gxtu]

I watched this series and purchased a manual. Then I drove it over 35 miles home. Thanks buddy

[SternDrive]

+As a 43 year veteran long haul driver who only drives cars with manual transmissions ( I hate automatics!)  I can truthfully say that your driving instruction here is a breath of fresh air.  I just watched a bunch of videos of dudes trying to show their girl friends how to drive a stick, and it was pathetic.  Driving a stick is a lost art!  And, no I do not downshift either whether it is in my six speed car or an 18 speed Pete.  I also rarely rev my car (unless I'm in a real big hurry)  past 3000 RPM.  We run our trucks up to about 1600 RPM to shift. Also I noticed so many people stop with their clutch. As you say, you don't clutch while stopping,  until the RPM is close to idle.  If you drive correctly your clutch (and your engine!) can last the life of the car.

[BuzZedJustNotDizzy]

The video I didn’t think I needed. Been doing a lot of research on how to drive a manual properly and have gotta some good information but this video puts everything in full circle and allow for a better understanding of the purpose of things like downshifting.

[shaneroper]

Intelligent, informative video. Good job! Just came across this one, and will be watching more. I hope you have some out there on the importance of checking blind spots before lane changes, and signaling your intentions to other drivers. So many people out there seem to think that the marker lights are there for
Thanks again.

[diomenteanthony]

Just so glad that I found myself in this fantastic 🙌 site . You're the best ! thanks

[AysarAburrub]

use both depending on the situation. If you know you're fully stopping, just brake, but if you're only slowing down for a corner or sudden slow traffic, brake then downshift.

[suens]

I have been watching your manual driving videos two times each today and I can finally comfortably and safely drive my manual car. I don't ever want to go back to driving an auto car.

[elche]

Ismail from Tanzania, I can't explain how important this show helped me.

[johnvaught]

This helps a lot. I’m learning to drive a stick in a 1976 Chevy Scottsdale. No power steering, but it’s the only manual my family currently has.

[johnnyaguiar]

I was down shifting and matching revs and always wondered why bc thats what i was told. You just made me a better driver and saving money at the pumps is always a win. Thanks again

[nolanv]

Very interesting. I had been downshifting ever since I started driving manual about 2 years ago just because that's how i'd seen other people do it when riding with them. Hadn't really thought about it but what you're saying makes perfect sense, thanks very much!

[nykorc]

Great video, thank you . Also I just wanted to say that's the scenery you have is beautiful there ! I could just barely see some mountains? Or something in the background. Very nice to look at with all the snow .

[inotorres]

I only downshift to prevent the engine from lugging.

[christianvalencia]

Thank you very much for the informative video. I’m new to manual and you answered all my questions about braking and how/when/why to downshift.

[AstanaxKnight]

I bought my first ever manual transmission Jeep Wrangler back in December 2017. My dad was ecstatic. He was born in 1942, and remembers his grandfather leaving him as a kid in an old manual transmission logging truck while taking his own car home. My dad remembers him saying, "You're going to learn how to drive this thing, or you are walking home!" My dad said he learned how to drive it back home. I am 33 myself. I recall my dad having an old 1972 Datsun pick up truck that was held together by rust. He taught me as a young boy how to never skip a gear and how I must always downshift before coming to a stop. Fast forward to today, I learned how to do everything using Youtube. My dad scoffed at it, saying they didn't have Youtube back in the day. I heard from another video of downshifting, but another "school of thought" in said video of just putting the car in neutral when slowing down and applying the brakes. I told my dad about the latter way of slowing down, and he was outraged. Your talks of during the 1940s where they didn't have as reliable brakes brought me back to realizing why my dad downshifted. We take for granted how good brakes are today, as well as having tubeless, steel belted tires for that matter. My question is, what is your opinion concerning putting the car into neutral from whatever gear when slowing down and applying the brakes at the same time to come to a complete stop?

[jykl]

I downshifted while going downhill from 4 to 3 to stop at a red light, when I released the clutch BIG JOLT!!. I won't do that again. Good video.