downshifting to save brakes

2017 Tundra SR5 4X4 5.7L. I drive in hilly terrain and hate to ride the brakes, so I use the S feature a lot. I slow gradually to avoid over revving the engine. It starts out in S4 and I gradually go to S3 then S2 if it's really steep. The shifts are smooth with no jolting. I'm wondering if this downshifting puts much extra wear on the transmission (high speed clutches?).

 

I ONLY drive in “S” mode unless I’m on hi-way

Doing the same thing ur doing and also so the trans is not constantly shifting from 5- to - 6th gear around town

I think your doing fine- but I’m no trans expert !
There are several post about this on here

Others will chime in- good luck

 

Ditto. I use in the mountains as well. Also don't know about the long term impact.

 

I use S mode steady. Much like every vehicle I’ve driven in the past I’m without issue.

 

I do the same on steep hills, but I'd been told before that it's cheaper to replace brakes than a transmission. I'd follow the severe conditions for maintaining the transmission, which if my memory serves me correctly, is changing the fluid at 60k miles

 

I do this also. Brakes are in great condition also get decent mpg.

 

I second this. Just change fluids more frequently. Cheap insurance.

 

I had to do this when traveling over the Tetons Mountains .
also , sometimes just for fun

 

Thanks to all. I'm more concerned with the "shock" of downshifting, as opposed to the consistency of being in S mode all the time.

 

I always drive in S mode. Better control and probably doesn't put any more strain on tranny than regular automatic. Agree with keeping fluids changed regularly.

 

Thanks. See my reply above.

 

Get the BA Muffler and you'll definitely be downshifting more.

 

Fo Sho.
I have the Dirty Deeds budget system. The people of the hills know when i roll through.

 

This is the only way I've even driven an automatic. I ALWAYS downshift in "S" going down hills. I put 150k on a 1st Gen doing this, never a problem. 200k on a 2nd Gen Rock warrior, no problems. With the way our Rotors warp, I can't imagine not driving this way.

The Moral of the story is, you are fine.

 

Thanks; I appreciate it!

 

I'm too busy texting while eating footlongs from Subway to worry about shifting. #BothHandsBusy

 

Lol

 

Man the rotors are terrible on this vehicle.

 

I drive that pass every day. I down shift every day. But try to go no lower then 3rd gear. I Keep it in 4th majority of the time when descending.

 

I would not be concerned about “shock” unless your downshifting TOO EARLY
which it doesn’t sound like u are
Too many RRR’s NOT GOOD!

 

I use on hunting ranch to control speed on hills and in traffic

 

GROWLLLLLLL !!!

YES- my next mod will be BA- budget dump !!

 

I do the same thing. My thought was, the truck can tow almost 10k lbs, a little engine and tranny braking downhill is not going to hurt it.

 

If we were driving dodges then I’d worry. Our trannies are pretty dam rock solid. Towing my quad and trailer, about 2000 lbs I always do the S mode. Truck is fairly new so I haven’t been in the hills without my trailer but I’d do S mode even if I wasn’t towing. It’s a Toyota man! Just change your fluids regularly

 

There is a heck of a lot less load on the transmission to turn the engine over (during engine braking) than move a 2+ ton vehicle while accelerating. No issue with the transmission at all.

I have used engine braking on every vehicle I've owned for decades (cars, trucks, motorcycles). My brakes last almost forever.

Dan

 

I always run in S mode and down shift coming down hill and to stops etc.

 

Used S Mode most of the time everywhere for over 5 years on my 07 Tundra with zero issues. Know your RPM's.

 

I use it too, brakes last longer when you don't use them. I'd still change the fluid at 60k

 

I Ditto every post so far... Always use "S" mode and keep doing what you're doing.

 

Each shift point from 1 to 6 has spec'd rpm range. You get a feel for it like anything else. No need to run the numbers. You can if you want.