I have a 2017 Civic, manual transmission 6 speed. There is a stretch of highway, about 9 miles, that has a steady down slope with a few curves. The posted speed limit is 60mph. I usually downshift into 5th gear and coast (no accelerating) down this stretch. I do this because I don't want to wear out my brakes; if I didn't downshift - I would have to brake often to keep my car from going over 70mph. I just recently read that this is not good for my transmission! And that's it better to wear out the brakes rather than my transmission. What should I do to save both my brakes and my transmission? Going another route is not an option...
it's fine as long as you don't over-rev the engine. Use a speed/gear that gives you a good balance of control, rpm, and light braking.
What does it mean to over-rev the engine?
When you push your engine speed (RPM) into the red area on your tachometer, you are 'over-revving' the engine. Excessive RPMs can/will quickly ruin your engine.
I just recently read that this is not good for my transmission!
Where did you read this?
Engine braking is the right move, not only will riding your brakes for that long wear them out faster, but you'll also potentially overheat them, making them less effective during an emergency. Plus, 5th gear at 60 mph is reasonable anyway.
You'll probably also notice it says trucks reduce gear or something up at the top of the mountain/ hill, whatever its classified as.
Sorry I didn't "read" about this, I heard about it on Scotty Kilmer's Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGlbJ-O68hs (first question) and on The Car Care Nut https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULcSauSJrsY (5:45)
Yes, I do see signs saying for trucks to shift to lower gears. On the other hand, I've seen other youtube videos which say Engine Braking is ok. I do respect Scotty and The Car Care Nut's advice though. That's why I'm not sure what to do.
Both videos tell you to engine brake in your situation.
In your situation it's not going to hurt anything.
Going from 6th to 5th gear is only increasing the engine speed by a couple hundred rpms.
If you were going from 6th to 3rd down a very steep grade and the rpms were closer to redline that might not be a good idea in the long run.
Thank you, I do keep my eye on the rpm thingy.
What does it mean to over-rev the engine?
doesn't your tach have a "red zone"? Should be described in the owner's manual.
Engine braking without over taxing the engine is fine.
In some jurisdictions, it’s even illegal to coast in neutral.
