Auto Trans education

While not disagreeing with any of the above, I haven't used anything other than D since getting my car a year ago. Gearbox seems fine at picking gears, I don't need to brake going down hills and as I'm slowing up for the lights it seems to change down as it wants. I don't tow and haven't felt the need to use command shift.

Used to have a Defender and driving that, I was never big on engine braking. I'd change down to match the revs to the speed of the car. I know by doing this there is an element of EB when you come off the throttle and maybe that's what you mean.

As I said, I'm not saying I'm right, but I just like the car to be balanced and not labouring against itself. Dropping a cog and having the revs jump isn't how I like to roll.

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Originally Posted by XDrive

In our Driver Training courses we teach people, to 'think' about their driving,

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Well that will never catch on. :o

If it's all about using brakes on decent, then the QLD gov needs to change that big sign at the top of the toowoomba range advising trucks to use low gear

Being born in the middle of last Century I was taught to use service brakes last, after engaging the brain and lower gears.

I'd rather keep my linings for when I really need them.

Edit;- neither of the Bus & Coach companies I've worked for regard brakes as 'consumable' ...

I've had a similar experience, but it was a Corolla (?!) towing a small trailer that I was following. Halfway down the very long and steep descent and there was the stench of burning brakes. Got to the bottom, and his brake discs were glowing and the pads smoking really badly, and he had to pull off into the emergency run off area.

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Originally Posted by JamesH

While not disagreeing with any of the above, I haven't used anything other than D since getting my car a year ago. Gearbox seems fine at picking gears, I don't need to brake going down hills and as I'm slowing up for the lights it seems to change down as it wants. I don't tow and haven't felt the need to use command shift.

Used to have a Defender and driving that, I was never big on engine braking. I'd change down to match the revs to the speed of the car. I know by doing this there is an element of EB when you come off the throttle and maybe that's what you mean.

As I said, I'm not saying I'm right, but I just like the car to be balanced and not labouring against itself. Dropping a cog and having the revs jump isn't how I like to roll.

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At least you know how to do it if necessary and I think that's the main point of this thread. :)

Yes, the point I was trying to make is simply lack of education. After that how people drive is up to them.
I have experienced lack of brakes at the bottom of a deep wadi in Yemen when I was nearly kidnapped. I was outrunning them and in an old Pajero and I was in a hurry to get to the police post at the village at the bottom of the wadi.
Just one of the interesting places I have worked..........