When driving a standard transmission car...?

Question

When slowing down, or stopping is it ok to just put it in neutral and coast or are you suppose to shift down. Or is either way ok. I want to know what the right way is.

Answer 1

If you were taking a CDL driving test you would fail if you coast more that a cars length but hey, lets be realistic. It is not illegal for cars to coast and It is easier to just coast to a stop right? Now what if a stoplight turns green as you're slowing down? If you were down shifting you would be in the right gear to accelerate instead of trying to find the right gear. Down shifting does not hurt the clutch unless you ride (or slip the clutch) and helps your break pads last longer. As a car is concerned, either  way is ok but it's what makes more sense to you.

Answer 2

You are never "supposed" to shift down.  People do that for fun.   Leave it in top gear.  If the engine gets down to 1000 rpm, then step on the clutch.  When you get ready to go again, you put it in whatever gear you want to use.

Oh, and you can downshift for fun.

Answer 3

It all amounts to the fact that something has to take the wear and tear to slow you down.  Brakes are made for that and it is generally cheaper to replace brake pads than a clutch.  Trust me... been there, done that.  You don't want to mess around with clutches going bad.  And if you DO ever have to have one replaced, go to a REPUTABLE place to have it done, like AAMCO or a dealership.  Get your quote and warranty in writing ahead of time.

Answer 4

You shift to neutral and let the vehicle roll if you know that you have a safe braking distance. You downshift if the vehicle needs your engine pull control...

Answer 5

since i have a 2002 dodge 2500 4x4 6 lift with 5" smoke stacks behinde the cab i down shift or jake it but i sometimes do both lol

Answer 6

I put it in neutral and coast if I'm stopping or I'm slowing down and I know I won't have to accelerate again for a while.

I shift down if I'm turning, or occasionally I'll coast in neutral and then re-engage the clutch in a lower gear.

Answer 7

You are NOT suppose to coast on neutral.  That's actually illegal.

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But in real world you have to coast the last 2 to 5 car length.  You don't have to downshift, unless you think you to accelerate without stopping.  If you plan to stop, then you can safely leave it gear then at the last minute (before the RPM drops below 1000 or so) depress the clutch and take it out of gear.

Good Luck...