Downshifting in S mode bad for engine?

[Alesen]

I do this a lot, but usually I don't run the RPM too high, i.e. 2,300 or below, I don't want to cause any excessive wear on my car! Anyone know??

07 Touring models have a sequential shift transmission, so basically it is an automatic but you shift up and down to change gear, but can only change one gear at a time compared to manual transmission where you drop into whatever gear you please (not recommended).

[boosted-fc3s]

The transmission will ignore you if your action would put the transmission in danger. Just try putting it in 5th at like 30mph, it will never leave 4th gear, count the shifts.

[Alesen]

I understand that, but I am wondering if I am going 30mph and shift down to 2nd from 3rd, my engine rev up to like 2,300, I mean the transmission is not in danger or anything but will it last?

[heartdisease]

Why do you do it? If you are worried don't do it in the first place:P I do know that in a big diesel truck if you downshift to early you can get it to grab the gear anyway and over rev past what the governor is set to. It still didn't hurt the truck though.

[arabianobsession]

2300 rpms is not gonna kill it. That's actually really low for downshifting, if you figure you're doing at least 2300 rpm on the highway, probably closer to 3000 rpms....it's not a big deal. I drive a manual trans and when I downshift it frequently reaches 3000+ rpms like that. I've never caused damage doing that.

[Alesen]

Ok thanks guys, I downshift because I really hate braking for some reason, maybe because I like to keep moving when I am driving, anyway thanks for the answer!!

[arabianobsession]

I love downshifting to avoid braking harder. It keeps you from visiting the shop often for brakes, lol. I always say, let the engine do the work for you! That's why it's there, right? lol

[heartdisease]

Originally Posted by arabianobsession

I love downshifting to avoid braking harder. It keeps you from visiting the shop often for brakes, lol. I always say, let the engine do the work for you! That's why it's there, right? lol

Wow that is some strange logic. I always thought the brakes were there to stop you! Hey it is your car you can do what you want but man, the brakes are designed for that not your clutch.
If you had a big diesel and a Jake brake that is designed for it. any way

[zythr]

Originally Posted by Alesen

Ok thanks guys, I downshift because I really hate braking for some reason, maybe because I like to keep moving when I am driving, anyway thanks for the answer!!

You're tired of this car and want an excuse to get rid of it

[Alesen]

Umm..no, I love this car and driving it..

[zythr]

Originally Posted by Alesen

Umm..no, I love this car and driving it..

Umm Why? Though in all honesty, maybe there is a chance for the Avalon compared to the Camry and Corolla

[Alesen]

Well its pretty quick actually, I run it on 93 and 0-60 is about 6 secs, maybe .2 or .3 over, that's pretty fast lol, this guy I know drives an 07 BMW 328i and it was almost neck and neck with mine but mine won lol (Yes we dragged but to like 70mph or so on an empty street)

[Zembonez]

Constantly downshifting an auto trans will cause premature trans failure and that's a LOT more expensive than brakes. It's not a feature designed for constant use. Downshifting works great in manual transmission cars.

[boosted-fc3s]

I use it every morning going down a very steep grade, it'll get up to 65-70 in a 40mph zone if I leave it in D and don't touch the brakes. Its either coast down in 2nd, or ride the brakes the whole way.

To put it in perspective I was towing a 4000lb crown vic on a 1500lb trailer behind my 8.1L suburban and I had to keep it in 1st to keep it from slowing down up the hill by going into 2nd.

They close it in winter if its icy. Rear drive cop cars have trouble getting up it.

[Alesen]

But if it does prematurely wear the transmission I don't know why it was implemented in the first place, I would buy a manual transmission Avalon if Toyota produce any...but sequential shift is as close as I'll get..