4SPD AUTO Downshifting
 

Hi,

Just bought my 08 Cobalt and am loving it (31.5 MPG Avg city/hwy). But my trip to work every day begins with a 3 mile hilly road that, due to traffic, runs about 20 MPH. My question is can I use the auto trans in 2nd gear on the downgrade (tach runs at 2k) and shift to D when the road levels out and goes uphill? I'd like to take advantage of the lower torque rather than riding the brakes for the downgrade.

I guess the real question is whether this action will do any damage to the trans over time??

Thanks!
Bill

RE: 4SPD AUTO Downshifting
 

Shouldn't hurt the tranny at all. In fact, the transmission is stronger when placed in manual 2, then when its driving in auto 2.

RE: 4SPD AUTO Downshifting
 

Thanks ShawnVW...

I've been doing it and it has helped a bit. But with all of the stop/go driving due to traffic on the interstate that I have to do, I believe my brake drums have warped slightly (so far). And only 1500 miles on it already! At this rate, the money I save in gas will pay for a brake job every 3 months!

Bill