Late comer to this thread, tbh when driving and I know a bend is coming up etc I'll let off and whenever I get there I'll select the appropriate gear, no need to tank upto it and brake if you don't need to, I'm not sure what you mean about him overriding the box though
I don't actually remember the term "overriding the box" being used, and it would take a while to go back over all the posts, so I am going to guess and suggest that what was meant was using the gears manually on an automatic. I sometimes select a lower gear on my automatic when descending a steep hill, as it provides a degree of engine braking.
Tanking up to bends, junctions, roundabouts, or traffic lights then slamming on the brakes is just sheer bad driving, whether towing or not.
I learnt to drive a bus with a crash gearbox, and I was taught to change right down through the box and back up again, but this was to ensure that I was capable of doing it if required. I was also taught to use the brakes to slow down, then select the correct gear for the speed attained. Slow down gently and accelerate smoothly was how I was taught, back in the early 1970s.
regardless of how you slow down the ideal is to plan as far ahead as possible, giving you plenty of time to make choices.
only 12 years driving here but definatly of the brakes to slow before then picking a correct gear to move off, i would say i am very lazy with the gearbox often in a far higher gear than i should be.
be careful though as many autos dont have very good engine braking and that means more use of foot brake . so you have to slow down earlier and brake earlier.
good steady driving and anticipating things is always the best way,rushing about causes problems .
Quote: Originally posted by vwalan on 22/9/2016
be careful though as many autos dont have very good engine braking and that means more use of foot brake . so you have to slow down earlier and brake earlier.
good steady driving and anticipating things is always the best way,rushing about causes problems .
VW DSG transmission's do ! Certainly 2015 models onwards do ! Admittedly they take a bit of time to have a think about .
I must admit I am very wary of DSG gearboxes. No torque-converter to double up the torque when needed, and an automated friction clutch which can burn out. Seems like a retrograde step to me, but I suppose its all in the name of fuel efficiency.
Admittedly the engine braking on a conventional auto isn't as good as you'd get with a manual, but I've never had a problem with it. But then I'm a driver that anticipates far ahead and drives accordingly.
Never had a problem done some real steep hill starts and no problems ,mind you I do use minimum throttle till it's moving . Changed 100's of clutches in my time ,the trouble is even TQ overheat all the Volvo' s had oil coolers fitted .I do like TQ though but progress is progress .. DSG is superb .It freewheeling when it wants to. to save fuel . I usually stick it in sport when towing on A roads, holds on to the gears a bit longer . ours is 150hp one pulling a 1645kg van
Just had a look dsg has twin wet clutches not dry that's why they don't overheat . Same as motorbikes .you can really slip bike clutches in to engagement . They have 7 speeds so no problems with torque multiplication .
Quote: Originally posted by martindf3 on 22/9/2016
Just had a look dsg has twin wet clutches not dry that's why they don't overheat . Same as motorbikes .you can really slip bike clutches in to engagement . They have 7 speeds so no problems with torque multiplication .
I must admit I didn't realise they were wet clutches, but I still hold with what I said. I still prefer a conventional auto with a torque converter. With a TC you don't need so many gears as the TC has a variable ratio between 1-1 and (usually) 2-1. That gives you the equivalent of at least 8 gears with a 4 speed auto. Just a matter of personal preference I guess.
Also, I have heard several horror stories about DSG gearboxes, especially how much they cost to put right or replace.
Wet clutch in dsg box is similar to motorcycle wet multiplate clutch that runs in the gear oil. Plenty of info if you google.
Demise of torque converter is because it is inefficient & fuel consumption was always worse that same car with manual box but dsg box can actually improve fuel consumption over manual.
I have recently completed 2300 miles in France with my Ford Kuga 2:0 tdci, 180bhp Powershift towing around 1350kg. I have 10s of 1000s of towing miles behind me for my job and pleasure, and can honestly say it is, without doubt, the most pleasant towing experience I have ever had.
Well I much prefer to have a torque converter, so I guess I'll stick to my old Volvo. I like the extra torque it provides when needed, and the fact that a 4 speed auto with a T.C. is the equivalent of having at least 8 gears, without actually having to have 8 gears!
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Topic: How do you slow down when towing?
I like the extra torque it provides when needed, and the fact that a 4 speed auto with a T.C. is the equivalent of having at least 8 gears, without actually having to have 8 gears!
