Hi,
Gear changes summing up! 5569Mike G formulated the question : Because there is no logical explanation and no hard and fast rule. As Mr Bitsy seems unable to provide an argument, then I will...
It has been an interesting thread, with varying points of view expressed and many good points raised. From what I could manage to gather, the more experienced and older the driver, the more they seemed to favour of (where appropriate) the use of the use of engine braking to supplement brakes. In other words a flexible approach based upon consideration for the speed, traffic conditions, the state of the road and the many other factors which come into play on the approach to a hazard.
Mark seemed to be the only one absolutely set on the inflexible method of never using the braking effect available, except for control down an incline, indicating that this was as taught in Roadcraft, IAM and by other leading experts. Whilst I can understand this being taught at basic driving levels, I cannot understand this being taught as an advanced driving skill, because it is simply not necessary to be so inflexible in ones driving. My own style of driving can vary wildly, depending upon urgency of the journey, thus my style of driving needs to be flexible too.
Mark indicated as one reason for not making use of engine braking, being the additional wear and tear on mechanical components, their cost, versus the cheap cost of replacing brakes. I have driven and worn out a good many vehicles over the years, all due to natural causes. None of those vehicles ever suffered any premature mechanical or clutch failure attributable to the use of engine braking.
Whilst I am not able to argue about how the IAM teach this aspect, it seems they do advocate this simpler and less flexible (one size fits all) approach to driving.
Gear changes summing up! 5571Well that's just typical isn't it. You don't read it, draw totally wrong conclusions and then start complaining. No maybe not, sorry, it was perhaps a little over the top and I apologise. However...
It also seems that Roadcraft's words on this subject are open to some interpretation and that some are relying heavily on their own interpretation of the words, to favour their side of the discussion. I read Roadcraft many years ago, during my early driving days and found no such hard and fast interpretation on the subject.
During the course of the discussion, nothing like enough conclusive evidence has been produced, to even make me consider changing my style of driving. My own personal view is that a accomplished driver should be able to seamlessly switch between any of the methods of reducing speed, at will and with complete flexibity to accomodate the conditions.
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Regards, Harry (M1BYT) (L)
