I recently got my license a couple months ago, and I have an a4 1.8t auto. I drive it in tip a lot when I feel like driving agressively. My question is, is it better to downshift from 6-5-4-3-2-1, ect to go to a stop(@ a light), or just use the brakes? I hate when you break and it automatically downshifts for you jerkily. Keep in mind this is just tip.

Thanks from a new driver.

 

it really doesnt matter wat u do since its an automatic
just do wat u like best, if u wanna downshift on ur own go for it

 

I have only driven a few tips (friend's cars or rentals). If you just brake, the car will downshift for you, but in my experience, the car lets the revs get pretty low before downshifting and the shifts have always been pretty smooth. I would guess that letting the car downshift would be smoother than you downshifting with the tip. Its not like you are going to rev match an automatic. As for negotiating turns or slowing down and then wanting to take off, you will prob want to downshift with the tip to put the car in the gear you want for exiting the turn / passing grandma.

So I say let the car dothe downshiftingwhen coming to a stop and you can pretend that you bought the correct trannywhen you are upshifting.

 

I was just wondering if it was "bad" for the engine to downshift myself to a stop. Well, looks like its ok