How Do You Shift Gears When Slowing Down?

The basic gear changing rule is 'brakes to slow – gears to go'. As the car increases speed, change up through the gears. When you want to slow down, use the foot brake. You need only change to a lower gear when you need the accelerator again to 'drive' the car.

How do you slow down a car with gears?

Say you're driving at 40mph in fifth gear and approaching a traffic light. If you want to slow down gradually, take your foot off the accelerator and switch to a lower gear, such as second or third (remembering to rev-match as you downshift). This will slow the car down without you having to touch the brakes.

Do you have to change gear when slowing down?

You'll normally have to change down gears if you have slowed down and the gear you're in doesn't give you enough power to drive at that lower speed. If you don't change down into the correct gear as you slow down, the car will start to stutter and jolt as you lift your foot off the clutch pedal.