Proper deceleration technique?

[boul325]

93 325is.

Is there a mechanically optimum method concerning manual transmission manipulation during deceleration?

More clearly: I am driving, in 5th at 60 mph. Ahead, a stop light is turning red. Not using engine braking, I apply brakes and stop. I generally engage clutch and then move stick down through all of the gears up to/including second and into neutral, then I let go of clutch and wait in neutral.

Is this necessary/beneficial/harmful etc?
Any insight on topic? Reducing wear and tear, proper practice, etc?

Always been curious...

[Jeron]

Don't use the clutch to decelerate the car. The clutch is more expensive and much harder to replace than brakes. Decelerating with the clutch also wears other parts besides just the clutch.

I do allow engine braking to decelerate the car but only in the current gear, I do not downshift to achieve more engine braking.

While braking normally you can leave the car in gear until the RPMs drop. This will give some engine braking and it will keep the RPM's up which is beneficial to all of the accessory systems including the brakes.

[Rick V]

I downshift like a madman. I use the brakes as well as the trans. I have replaced my clutch with a trackable Porsche-like unit including an 8lb flywheel so for me it is no problem but I also drive my little truck the same way with over 200k on the origional unit.
As long as you don't pop the clutch while downshifting you should have no problems. You have a dual mass flywheel which is very durable.

[jsutton]

Downshifting when slowing.stopping does NOTHING but induce wear in the clutch and transmission parts.

The old days of imperfect synchronizers (circa late 1950s) was why this driving technique was perpetuated. Let's do everything we can to discourage and eradicate it.

Jim