Thread: Auto Trans education

Yeah, some people have no idea about engine braking. I often pull the Disco back to 3rd or even 2nd on steep descents just to ease the load on the brakes. I've had passengers ask me why I do that. My explanation seems a bit of a revelation to them.

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Manual shift is the way.

Sport mode does give better engine braking, but that only kicks in once you start braking.

Brett.....

Its good off road in low range because if you select say sand mode, it will hold the low gears and provide heaps of engine braking without the driver doing anything. Its almost as good as a manual at picking the correct gear for engine braking as long as you are going slowly on hilly sand tracks. Too fast and it will choose higher gears with less engine braking.

Bob

Originally Posted by Plane Fixer

Today I followed a Toy dual cab down Mt Wellington and he rode the brakes all the way down with a few seconds off the brakes. There was quite a stink of burnt brakes at the bottom.
I would suggest it was an auto and he did not have any clue how to drive an auto except to put it in D and let it do the rest; then simply use brakes as necessary.
Meanwhile I selected 2 or 3 and used engine braking with an occasional dab of brake as the guy in front braked harder at some corners or oncoming cars.
It appears that using an auto to assist in braking in certain situations or simply how to properly use one is not taught these days. As most cars in Australia are auto surely the correct use of these gearboxes should be part of driver training.

Driver training ??? - the way some people drive down here you would be excused for thinking that they had never heard of the concept of driver training

They don't teach them how to drive, they teach them how to get a licence.

Unfortunately, 2 totally different concepts

I find Toyota didn't do a very good job with their auto box; not very intelligent and doesn't retard speed well. And this is from their upmarket brand...

So the driver in front may have found the brakes more reliable.

IMHO, people these days are taught to steer, not drive.

The problem is that most people are taught to drive in the city and no thought is given to country/mountain driving. I was taught on a manual a "few" years ago now. If you've learnt on a manual you appreciate how to use a gearbox - manual or auto. I used to manually select an appropriate gear on an auto box going up mountains too. It saves the gearbox hunting around for the right gear when you want to maintain a constant speed that's on the shift threshold between two gears, especially with a big boat on the back. I've only had my D4 since November and so far it doesn't need me to override the auto going up hill - it just powers up the hill no worries compared to my old Pajero. More power, diesel engine and 8 speed box no doubt help.

I do agree that this aspect of driving should be at least given some mention during a learner's tuition, even if only a quick demo going down a hill so they at least know about it.

Martin

Originally Posted by oldsalt

Driver training ??? - the way some people drive down here you would be excused for thinking that they had never heard of the concept of driver training

If you do advanced driver training these days they teach you to use the brakes, not the gearbox to slow the vehicle. Even in a medium rigid you are not supposed to change down therough the box, each manouvere gets one gear change.

When my wife did a driving course as part of her employment she challenged the instructor. His answer was brakes are a consumable, and cheaper to replace than gearboxes and clutches.

Modern disc brakes are far less likely to fade due to heat buildup from sustained use, and most vehicles have auto boxes, but this really is a cop out, catering for the lowest common denominator.

I, too, put my auto box into manual and select a lower gear before going downhill. Although autos aren't as effective at slowing as a manual box, it still gives the driver greater control.