Quote:
Originally posted by VaSteve
I agree. There should be no downshifting. In a panic, you stay in the gear you're in. But I disagree on the clutch in, for the reasons I said. Granted in the last little bit, then you hit the clutch to keep from stalling so you can skeedaddle when the semi behind you is bearing down.
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Steve- I think i wasnt clear. The engine connected to the driving wheels- as long as the engine is running, there is direct mechanical relationalship that is turning the wheels *forward*.
What you say is quite correct, take your foot of the throttle and the engine braking effect will retard the car. However, the engine is turning, the mechanical relationship is still there, and the engine is still turning the wheels *forward*, albeit at slower speed than the present road speed of the wheel, hence the retardation.
But when retardation via braking exceeds the retardation via the engine, and it easily does in a hard stop, the engine is now acting against the brakes. While the brakes are trying to stop the wheel, the engine is trying to turn the wheel forward.
Proably doesnt mean much in real life because the brakes will win over the engine- the important thing, as you say, is to keep the engine running so as to be able to drive away form the next problem.
Cheers
Stuart