Downshift Stop & Tire Rotation
Downshifting to a Stop & a 1997 Dodge 2500 4x4
Will downshifting to a stop save brakes, a Dodge 2500 with a front end vibration and tire rotation questions on a Honda Civic and Acura Integra.
Question: Downshifting to a Stop
Hi Vince, I forgot to ask you a general question also. When decelerating (i.e. approaching a stop light, stop sign, etc.), rather than using 100% brakes, does downshifting (then completing the stop with brakes) help extend brake life significantly enough to make it worthy of doing it? Does this shorten transmission life? This is assuming that you're not downshifting and overtaxing the transmission... just curious.
Regards,
Brian
Answer: Maybe with a manual transmission if you do it for a few years, but not with an automatic transmission. You'll be doing more harm than good.
Question: 1997 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins Diesel
Why am I experiencing (not always) heavy vibration on the front end of my Dodge Pickup? I have to come to a stop to rid it of this problem.
Answer: There is not nearly enough information here for me to give you a difinitive answer. It's possible you have warped brake rotors or bad tires or front end problems or any combination of these problems. Since I can't put it on a lift to check it I recommend you get it to your Didge DFealer as soon as possible to have it checked and repaired. This vehicle is certainly not safe to drive!
Question: Acura and Honda Tire Rotation
Hi Vince, I had asked you a tire balancing question a little while back, but I think I gave you the wrong information because I didn't realize 2 of my tires were "directional". So...
For my Acura Integra, the front two tires are directional, and the back two are not. How do I rotate these? Do I just swap front and rear? Or do I switch the rear tires first (with each other), and then swap them with the front set?
For my Honda Civic, all four tires are directional...so do I just swap the front and rear tires since they have to stay on the same side of the car?
Thanks!
Answer: Okay, the directional tires on your Honda can, and should, be rotated front to rear every 7,500 miles. This is assuming they are the same size. I know of some cars that have different size tires front and rear and are directional so there is no tire rotation for them.
On the Acura you should rotate the directional tires front to rear. The other two should be crossed from front to rear, LF to RR and RF to LR. from rear to front they should go forward on the same sides. RR to RF and LR to LF.
