Is down shifting an automatic transmission a good idea?
 

We've had Toyotas over the past few years and lately have taken to Civics.

We live in the Denver area, which is hilly. We currently have a 2002 EX ( 131k miles ) which just lost its transmission and is sitting dead in the driveway now. And we have a 2000 Civic with 101k miles.

I started doing this years ago and never had any problems with the Corolla transmissions, but now I'm wondering if it's a good idea with the Civic transmissions, which seem more fragile?

What I do is, if I'm going down a steep hill, instead of burning up brakes, I down shift it one gear. Like from 4th to 3rd on the Civics. Then after the hill, I shift it back up to 4th.

Is this not so good an idea with automatic transmissions, in these Civics?

I'm wondering if it contributed to the loss of the transmission in the 2002?

Re: Is down shifting an automatic transmission a good idea?
 

Downshifting a gear or two on a long downhill grade is fine and serves a valuable purpose.
I'm guessing you know what sand pits are for?

OTOH Repeatedly downshifting every time you come up on a stop sign is not something I would do.


The 01-03 Civics had well known trans issues, it probably wasn't your fault.

Re: Is down shifting an automatic transmission a good idea?
 

Thanks!