Downshifting / Engine Braking on an I4 automatic 5 speed LE

[O.F.Fascist]

Is there anything wrong with downshifting to engine brake on this car?

My old car had the shifter up on the steering wheel, and automatics I've seen that had it on the console all had a button to press to shift, but it seems on this Camry without the button like it was almost meant to allow you to shift around while driving.

So is manually downshifting while driving a bad thing that will cause more wear and tear, or is this car designed for it?

[tom5681]

I'm pretty sure downshifting will cause more wear and tear on the transmission than when leaving it in D. I would think that this automatic transmission wasn't designed for downshifting while driving since it's more of a family car rather than a sports car.

I've been downshifting in my car ever since I bought the thing. It now has about 30,000 kms on it and I haven't had any problems with it yet (knock on wood). The only shift that I tend to stay away from is 2nd to 1st. It's particularly harsh on the car.

[njerald]

Originally Posted by tom5681

I'm pretty sure downshifting will cause more wear and tear on the transmission than when leaving it in D. I would think that this automatic transmission wasn't designed for downshifting while driving since it's more of a family car rather than a sports car.

I've been downshifting in my car ever since I bought the thing. It now has about 30,000 kms on it and I haven't had any problems with it yet (knock on wood). The only shift that I tend to stay away from is 2nd to 1st. It's particularly harsh on the car.

The transmission downshifts on its own going down hilld and coming to a stop. You can shift down just as it does.