Hey everyone,

I just wanted to get your opinion on the best way to save brakes when going down hill. I have a '97 automatic 4wd with the J shifter. Do you simply keep your automatic transmission in D and put the transfer case in 4low or do you only downshift the engine?

Thanks for your input!

Downhill on a highway or downhill rock crawling?

I love trick questions! The answer is don't try to save your brakes. Thats what they are there for.

until they get too hot and don't work...

This is the real question...

You can't shift into 4LO while moving anyway...

-Charlie

I am specifically asking regarding steep downhill descents whether that be a paved road or gravel. Not asking about rock crawling.

Also I realize you can't shift into 4low while moving. I'm specifically asking if you are about to go down a steep hill and you have time to stop and adjust your transfer case and automatic transmission gear, what is the best way to proceed.

Thanks for the input.

Use your brakes because they are cheaper to replace than your transmission

I drive a 5speed so I use engine braking all the time but for an auto here are my rules of thumb.
Normal driving hilly not highway - take off overdrive

Steep and hilly paved- use second or even first on the auto if it is really steep and slow

Steep and wet or steep gravel- 4wd hi and second or first on the auto

When it gets really steep and slippery you want it in 4wd low so all 4 tires will help slow the car not just the rear end. That goes double when you are trying to back down a steep and slippery hill. Having said all that I would still rely on brakes first as they are cheap and easy to replace. I live on a very steep island and I smell burning brakes from the rental jeeps all the time so it is useful to use engine braking, but try to use it as a supplement to your regular braking

If your on main roads just lock out overdrive this A340 has decent compression braking for an automatic.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you for all of your helpful posts. I feel much more educated and prepared now!

2nd gear + OD OFF

Back in the mid to late 90’s when I road raced motorcycles we use to say brakes just slow you down. Who wants that......


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

if you drive lots of hills, or towing I highly recomend the TBU. Not only will you have bigger pads, but thicker rotors that help get rid of the heat. Either eway, dont go with cheap pads, keep your rear brakes adjusted and working good.

otherwise I downshift when needed, overdrive off, I live in the hills, drive on lots of ice and snow, but this time of year im in 4wd all the time and that helps.

but like others have said, brakes are cheaper than transmissions.