Automatics use vacuum , instead of a real clutch like a manual, sorta, so the system works a lot more in your favor as far as parts that brake. the only harm I've ever hear it doing is it will cause your engine and transmission to heat up more than usual, but otherwise, never heard of anyone having a problem.

 

The Honda AT is a marvelous piece of engineering -- at least it is in my '98 CR-V.

I have discovered that if you are coasting down a hill in D4, and fail to touch the brakes, the V will coast faster and faster until you chicken out.

But, press the brakes for a second or two at a speed you can deal with and the AT will downshift itself to hold that speed! Sort of like a -cruise control. I don't recall ever having an automatic that would do that.

 

Everyday I drive home from work i go down a series of hills. I do my best to avoid breaking and usually down shift to D3 then the 2nd gear and coast all the way down.

According to the manual 08 Honda CRV

"When the D3 mode is on, the
transmission selects only the first
three gears. Use D3 mode when
towing a trailer, or to provide engine
braking when going down a steep hill.
D3 mode can also keep the
transmission from cycling between
third and fourth gears in stop-and-go
driving.



.

but is this bad for your engine or transimission?

I rather just use the brakes. Its alot cheaper to replace then a engine or transimission

 

Everyday I drive home from work i go down a series of hills. I do my best to avoid breaking and usually down shift to D3 then the 2nd gear and coast all the way down.

According to the manual 08 Honda CRV

"When the D3 mode is on, the
transmission selects only the first
three gears. Use D3 mode when
towing a trailer, or to provide engine
braking when going down a steep hill.
D3 mode can also keep the
transmission from cycling between
third and fourth gears in stop-and-go
driving.

but is this bad for your engine or transimission?

Won't hurt a thing. You are doing what "Grade Logic" does automatically. Wife has an 08 Accord with "Grade Logic" and it works very well.

Page #250 of your owner's manual also talks about the use of 2nd gear and shifting your AT "much like a manual transmission without a clutch pedal".

 

Also, the owners manual on all automatics usually teach you how to drive the car like a manual and tells you what speed, or RPM to switch gears at. My 2002's manual has a 3-page section on driving the car up hills, down, etc, and driving it like a manual.

 

Better to downshift then use breaks

So it is good to downshift and use engine breaking then brakes.

Page 250 of the manual answered my question, thanks for all the feedback...


Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all four wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal. The anti-lock
brake system (ABS) helps you retain
steering control when braking very
hard.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Be extra
cautious and alert in your driving.
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the left-front brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
The front and rear disc brakes on all
models have audible brake wear
indicators.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal for
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Resting your foot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their effectiveness
and reduces brake pad life. In
addition, fuel economy can be
reduced. It also keeps your brake
lights on all the time, confusing
drivers behind you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their effectiveness.
Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your foot off the
accelerator and downshifting to a
lower gear.

 

i advocate use of brakes. i will admit that your brakes can become less effective on long hills, but we're talking like 15 minutes of descending a mountain; most ppl don't generate that much heat. brakes are easy & cheap to replace relative to a transmission. personally, I do frequently coast to a stop in gear - but that is to save gas, since a manual transmission car uses no fuel while in gear and throttle off, where it would use gas in neutral. but i do not believe this is the case with an AT.

 

i have also heard engine breaking helps burn off carbon deposits in the combustion chamber