What Is True About Downshifting?

A Downshifting allows engine compression and friction to help the brakes slow the vehicle. Release the gas pedal, move into a low gear, and utilize engine braking to slow your car down before starting down a long downgrade. After you've reached cruising speed, don't try to downshift.

What is downshifting for?

What Is Downshifting? Manually downshifting an automatic transmission into a lower gear slows the vehicle. Lower gear ratios reduce the output speed of the transmission but increases torque, giving you better control of your vehicle under certain driving conditions.

What does downshifting mean in driving?

Definition of downshift

intransitive verb. 1 : to shift an automotive vehicle into a lower gear. 2 : to move or shift to a lower level (as of speed, activity, or intensity) Other Words from downshift Example Sentences Learn More About downshift.