I would like to hear from folks who routinely downshift to reduce speed on highway hills. Any concerns? I live in coastal California, and I routinely downshift on a very steep hill to the ocean. Maybe a mile. From 50 mph, I drop to 3rd gear as I crest the hill and head down, feather the brakes, and then down to 2nd gear. RPMs never over 3500. Saving brake wear. Transmission fluid changed at 126k, now 147k.
Downshifting in a 2013 LX 570
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I routinely engine brake. When towing an 8k Airstream with a combined weight over 15k lbs. Also when not towing just to better manage braking loads for 37s.
When towing on extended downhill grades, it wouldn't be uncommon to see 5,000+ rpm in 2nd gear.
I do change my transmission fluid on the severe duty interval. Still going strong, knock on wood, at 195k miles. I'm not even that concerned as transmissions for the platform are relatively cheap at ~$3500.
When towing on extended downhill grades, it wouldn't be uncommon to see 5,000+ rpm in 2nd gear.
I do change my transmission fluid on the severe duty interval. Still going strong, knock on wood, at 195k miles. I'm not even that concerned as transmissions for the platform are relatively cheap at ~$3500.
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Thanks! Where is the photo? Mt. Laguna?
I downshift all the time, while towing and otherwise. I usually don't downshift If I'm traveling above 90 km/hr, but downshifting is the smart way to control a descent. I do this all the time in the Alberta & BC Rocky Mountains. I don't think the vehicle will allow you to downshift to an unsafe gear (but someone can correct me if I'm wrong).
My 2013 LX has ~225,000km and the transmission shows no signs of problems. I also have a Tundra with the same (or substantially similar) transmission at 477,000km and no transmission issues (it gets used for engine braking too).
My 2013 LX has ~225,000km and the transmission shows no signs of problems. I also have a Tundra with the same (or substantially similar) transmission at 477,000km and no transmission issues (it gets used for engine braking too).
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Correct, it won't. Just gives a curt beep beep.
It's particularly conservative when asking to downshift to first gear - even if it's still in a safe rev range. It can be a problem for the towing weight level I'm at when descending grades over 7% and I need the extra engine braking. Have to slow down and drop below ~15mph and 3500rpm for it to downshift to first. In contrast, it'll allow downshifting to any other gear even if it puts RPMS at 5000rpm for example.
I downshift for nearly any hill of significance. Routine practice in the mountains and just the way I was taught to drive. Roll down the window next time you drive down that big hill and you'll smell all the other idiots' brakes cooking. 