Downshifting causing transmission wear vs brake wear?

Tacoma-Robert

Well-Known Member
I like to downshift in order to save the brakes when going down a hill.

But does that cause more wear to my automatic transmission?

Personally, I'd rather replace brakes than get into early transmission work.

I have absolutely no idea. Anyone know?
 
You are asking it to shift gears so that means the clutches have to work. So you are causing more wear but I don't know how much more. I downshift when going down a steep hill all the time but I rev match when going so that the tranny doesn't have to bring the engine up to speed.
 
I am constantly shifting 5-4-3 and back again 3-4-5. This Toyota Tacoma shifter is fun, functional and form-fit. My hand lands directly on it. With an easy slap left at 50 mph deceleration into 4, then tap down into 3 as I decelerate further through the 40's. As I accelerate into the turn I move the shifter up and over and let the Tacoma's brains take back over.

This is what I call performance. She is the most fun to drive on the winding and hilly backcountry roads. This Tacoma has done everything I have asked her to do. I have driven her this way for 20,000 miles to date. No good reason to stop.
 
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