Scotty: I have been driving Manual transmission vehicles since first getting my license in 1982. As I am getting older and driving in traffic a lot now, I decided to buy an automatic. I just moved from a Toyota Tacoma 6-speed manual to a Nissan Frontier 9-speed automatic. It has the semiauto mode where you can manually shift it up or down. Should I use the transmission to help slow the truck down? Is it hard on the transmission? I have been using a lower gear on long down hills rather than running on the brakes. I would like to hear your thoughts on this.
By the way, I chose the Nissan Frontier over the new Tacomma because I wanted a proven, naturally aspirated V6 over a four-cylinder Turbo Hybrid which all of the manufacturers are switching to. I want my truck to last!
Thank you! Ray
Should I use the transmission to help slow the truck down?
No, not for all normal forward driving at highway speeds.
Is it hard on the transmission?
Yes.
I have been using a lower gear on long down hills rather than running on the brakes.
4th and 5th gears are recommended "for driving up or down long slopes where engine braking would be advantageous".
Check the owner's manual for your year model here: https://ownersman.com/Nissan/Frontier-owners-manuals
You will find all this information under the section 'Starting and Driving'
