MINI2 - MINI Forum - View Single Post - Driving Technique's

burns863 · Jan 2nd, 2007, 08:05 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by 260 GTT (original)

I never engine brake.

Always use the brakes, that's what they are there for. Why wear out the engine when you can use the replaceable brake pads ???

The "system" of driving (used by police drivers) states that you should leave the car in the gear you last used for acceleration, changing it only when you need to accelerate again. No need to change down gears as you slow down, just engage the next gear for drive as an when you need it. So if you are in 5th and doing 70mph, then arrive at a junction at 10mph there is no need to go 4th,3rd, 2nd... just brake to slow the car down, leaving it in 5th gear, then select 2nd as soon as you are required to accelerate again.

Agreed, you do leave the car in the 5th gear, so technically you are braking, but to be honest I always dip the clutch for the 2 seconds i drop from 70mph to 10mph, and prepare the 2nd gear ready.

The key to any good driving is awareness and interprating hazards, thus removing any unecessary braking - worst example is the guy on the motorway doing 70mph following the guy doing 69mph about 2 feet from his bumper, dabbing the brakes every 2 seconds.

PS. i hate the folk that are intent on annoying anyone with a fast car by hanging in the outside lane on a 2 lane junction to prevent you from speeding off, and they just sit there next to the inside car, under the speed limit, knowing very well they are stopping you and gaining the 'higher ground' - basically anyone doing this is an utter w****r !!

Cheers,
K.

Couldnt have put it better myself. Thats exactly how I drive. Brakes are easily replaceable and I would rather put less wear on the engine.

I have an 02 Cooper and it still has the factory fitted clutch. Pads been changed by previous owner and I have changed the pads AND all 4 discs (they had started to corrode bad

)

Jan 2nd, 2007, 08:05 AM	#15
burns863 The Muffin Man Join Date: May 2006 Location: Hadfield, Derbyshire Local Time: 06:59 AM Posts: 1,621 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by 260 GTT (original) I never engine brake. Always use the brakes, that's what they are there for. Why wear out the engine when you can use the replaceable brake pads ??? The "system" of driving (used by police drivers) states that you should leave the car in the gear you last used for acceleration, changing it only when you need to accelerate again. No need to change down gears as you slow down, just engage the next gear for drive as an when you need it. So if you are in 5th and doing 70mph, then arrive at a junction at 10mph there is no need to go 4th,3rd, 2nd... just brake to slow the car down, leaving it in 5th gear, then select 2nd as soon as you are required to accelerate again. Agreed, you do leave the car in the 5th gear, so technically you are braking, but to be honest I always dip the clutch for the 2 seconds i drop from 70mph to 10mph, and prepare the 2nd gear ready. The key to any good driving is awareness and interprating hazards, thus removing any unecessary braking - worst example is the guy on the motorway doing 70mph following the guy doing 69mph about 2 feet from his bumper, dabbing the brakes every 2 seconds. PS. i hate the folk that are intent on annoying anyone with a fast car by hanging in the outside lane on a 2 lane junction to prevent you from speeding off, and they just sit there next to the inside car, under the speed limit, knowing very well they are stopping you and gaining the 'higher ground' - basically anyone doing this is an utter w****r !! Cheers, K. Couldnt have put it better myself. Thats exactly how I drive. Brakes are easily replaceable and I would rather put less wear on the engine. I have an 02 Cooper and it still has the factory fitted clutch. Pads been changed by previous owner and I have changed the pads AND all 4 discs (they had started to corrode bad )