Shifting to lower gear and synchro wear

[Lil bastard]

There are lots of times where downshifting is necessary - flowing in traffic, elevation changes, turning, etc. And in these times matching revs is a good way to minimize synchro wear.

Then there are times when downshifting is totally unecessary and just causes excess wear to the drivetrain, like approaching a stop.

If you're a good driver, you can anticipate 99% of your stops - there's a sign alerting you to a stop ahead, you see the stoplight or stop sign, etc. This is the wrong time to downshift. Stay in gear to allow the car to bleed off energy while applying the brake, then go into neutral and stay on the brakes to stop the car.

It doesn't sound as cool, or get the attention of the blonde at the bus stop, but you will end up burning $150 brakes instead of $600 clutch and/or $2000 synchro replacement.

Of course, in an emergency, do whatever you need to stop in the shortest distance possible - downshift, throw out a boat anchor, anything!

Otherwise, respect the machinery - use the brakes to stop and the tranny to go.

Your car, and your wallet, will thank you.

Cheers!