Downhill Downshifting - Toyota Yaris Forums

reesesyum · 05-14-2009, 02:27 PM

Let me try and clear up a few things after reading the replies (and thanks for the replies BTW)

Of course it's better for the engine brake to slow the car going downhill - as a general rule I try to use my brakes as little as possible no matter what the condition. Due to traffic or other conditions, sometimes you have to touch the brakes a little going downhill - and this is when the gear shifts down.

This doesn't help the engine brake. As another poster pointed out - the downshift does not significantly slow the car down. It continues at the same speed, just with higher RPMs.

I also disagree that this isn't bad for the transmission. As other posts state, this is putting additional, unnecessary stress on the transmission.

There is also the problem of performance if you want to then pick up speed after the downshift. This is like trying to pedal faster going downhill when you're in the lowest gear on your bike - nothing happens.

What I find curious about this is that if you depress the brakes more fully, but still short of a full stop - due to an unexpected slowing in front of you for example- the trans does not downshift. The downshifting only occurs on relatively light application of the brakes - which in my previous driving has been a fairly common occurrence. I just find the whole thing curious.

I love the Yaris, but if this was intentional, it is one feature I could do without.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

05-14-2009, 02:27 PM	#16
reesesyum Drives: 2008 Yaris Hatchback Join Date: May 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 5	Let me try and clear up a few things after reading the replies (and thanks for the replies BTW) Of course it's better for the engine brake to slow the car going downhill - as a general rule I try to use my brakes as little as possible no matter what the condition. Due to traffic or other conditions, sometimes you have to touch the brakes a little going downhill - and this is when the gear shifts down. This doesn't help the engine brake. As another poster pointed out - the downshift does not significantly slow the car down. It continues at the same speed, just with higher RPMs. I also disagree that this isn't bad for the transmission. As other posts state, this is putting additional, unnecessary stress on the transmission. There is also the problem of performance if you want to then pick up speed after the downshift. This is like trying to pedal faster going downhill when you're in the lowest gear on your bike - nothing happens. What I find curious about this is that if you depress the brakes more fully, but still short of a full stop - due to an unexpected slowing in front of you for example- the trans does not downshift. The downshifting only occurs on relatively light application of the brakes - which in my previous driving has been a fairly common occurrence. I just find the whole thing curious. I love the Yaris, but if this was intentional, it is one feature I could do without.