DB22

But brake pads are cheaper than gearboxes.

Richard Solomon

...and gearboxes are cheaper than cars which run off a cliff due to overheated brakes failing.


IOW, all things in moderation - use engine braking to slow down where appropriate (long downhills, icy roads, etc) and not where not (every stoplight in your neighborhood).

Tman007

+1
I use the ACC frequently on downhills for exactly this reason.

DB22

Running off a cliff is natural attrition for people who ride their brakes.

davidglt66

Never had a gearbox failure from doing this (have owned Audi cars since 1974) , also putting it in Sport mode will give you a downshift when on ACC downhills, but not enough to eliminate or minimize riding the brakes, this procedure is great when you are on a long 7 to 10% downhill, not needed for minor hills in normal driving

DB22

Down hills are for going fast. Why is everyone braking?

snagitseven

Try that coming down Independence or Loveland Pass in Colorado.
It's a long way down when you go off the side.

newmoon

Well the regular cruise control in my car does not increase speed going downhill either. But to hold the set speed, the CVT does downshift to give the appropriate amount of engine braking. I haven't felt it using the brakes.

Personally, I would expect the CC to hold the set speed going both uphill and downhill, so I'm fine with the way it works. Especially to avoid speeding tickets from the cops camping at the bottom of the hill.

Also, even without the cruise control engaged, there is a downhill grade sensor in the car so that when you brake going downhill, the transmission downshifts to give engine braking, so you can reduce or even completely release pressure on the disc brakes.

Kris Hansen

Regular cruise will do that too...