Sportstick

With that experience, I'd continue on as well!

tenspeed

Many of these pearls of wisdom are handed down from the olden days of manual transmissions and drum brakes. I feel that if a transmission can handle 400 lb/ft of engine torque, it can handle downshifts

Sportstick

Yes, I have no basis to dispute that some of these ideas may be anachronisms. But, and not to prolong the debate, I can't help but think about the reality of MTF (mean time to failure) testing for components and the desire not to accelerate reaching that time. I tend to close, not slam, doors, gently rotate, not twirl, *****, etc. I like more gradual vs. sudden changes of state for items around me when possible over sustained time...directly proportional to their value and hassle to replace! Even though I love my other manual trans car, including double-clutch downshifting and some healthy throttle angle, I likely drive it less aggressively than most other owners of the same model.

So, while these trans may be perfectly capable as both of you suggest, I think about the additional inputs to the driveline, the motor/trans mounts, etc., as one more but unneeded load when the brakes could handle it just fine.

Probably sounds a bit neurotic, but I'm aware of it....and much of my stuff lasts a long time in great shape!

snagitseven

Exactly. Otherwise, we should drive like little old ladies on the way to the tea social for fear of breaking something or cover our sofas and chairs in plastic so they don't wear out. My motto is use it or lose it. Make full use of it as it was intended or, in this case, why have a high performance luxury car at all?

Sportstick

I'm not sure why you would take my sincere comments to the mocking extreme, but I will remain cordial. Have a good night!

snagitseven

I was responding to tenspeed, not you. 'Nite.

irenesbob

I typically use Tiptronic downshifts from time to time to assist in slowing down on slick roads. Of course, on the way to social teas I use the Loud Pedal mostly – can’t wait to start the gossip lol!
My question in this discussion relates to the use of transmission slowing (on icy roads especially) not taking advantage of the anti-lock functionality that one would gain in using foot brakes. Is this something to consider?
Two things: 1) At least a few years back, most ABS systems did not function under something like 5 mph – so maybe in the last few yards of stopping it doesn’t matter; 2) I sometimes downshift and brake at the same time. Is this a way to get the best from both engine braking (via tranny downshift) and the anti-skid properties of ABS?
FWIW – I love Earl Grey, dear!

08A6

I believe the traction control system would intervene when using the transmission, even if no brakes applied. It won't trigger ABS but it still could be more effective than braking to slow down a bit in certain conditions. You could use both but you're goal is to minimize any slippage so you want to give yourself enough room for a gradual reduction of speed, with whatever method.

snagitseven

Yes, the ASR would kick in at any time if the car starts to slew - you can see the dash light flickering as it's working.

Giving plenty of distance in bad weather is always a good idea. I usually use both downshift and brakes in slippery roads as gradually as possible. Any sudden action of any kind on ice or snow covered surfaces can cause loss of control. I call it driving and stopping as if on eggs.

The key is to leave plenty of room and try to anticipate from farther away what other drivers may do, even more so than normally. It's sort of like driving an oil tanker - it takes longer to stop and steer the ship.