Downshifting from '3 to 2' or '2 to 1' with paddle shifters bad for transmission and engine?

[Costcocombo]

Hi guys,

Like my title says, does this hurt the transmission or engine? I like to do this coming off a highway exit then to a stop. The roar the engine makes downshifting is addicting but am I causing more strain on the car?

Thanks!

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[geep81]

No it is not "bad" so much as revving your engine up is "bad" for your car (or turning on your car for that matter...).

 

[Cory S]

Just don't downshift @ WOT.

 

[Performance nut]

Just don't downshift @ WOT.

It won't let you, in D or S. Only time it will let you drop down is if the RPM's are less than redline. I have tested that many o' times.

The one thing I will say to the OP is about engine braking. A couple of times I had to stop really quick. I downshifted while hitting the brakes. There was a significant jolt when I went 2-1 but no issues shifting afterwards. I normally have a jolt when I go 2-1 or 1-2 but this was a bit more significant.

 

[revinto7]

why would it put strain on the car .first off manuals engine brake like this all the time with down shifts .2nd the car rev matches on down shifts . ford would not have programmed it to allow it to work this way if it was an issue ..

 

[acemastr]

It isn't bad, but it isn't comfortable in any way!

 

[EFI]

why would it put strain on the car .first off manuals engine brake like this all the time with down shifts .2nd the car rev matches on down shifts . ford would not have programmed it to allow it to work this way if it was an issue ..

Well more RPM is always going to be more strain on all rotating components than less RPM.

Staying in a higher gear and keeping revs at 2,000 is going to be less strain than if you continually rev it to 4,000 by downshifting more often.

Now that isn't much strain, but it's some nonetheless.

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