"gigelus2k3" <popescu.serban@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1184044534.276448.53530@x35g2000prf.googlegro ups.com...
>
> What's up with all the advice to brake using downshifting instead of
> coasting (manual tranny, of course)? I even heard this Sunday the two
> clowns at cartalk claiming that downshifting is the way to braking
> instead of bleeding off speed by only friction (when possible, of
> course). Is there a downside to coasting?

It's against the law in most if not all jurisdictions. It also lessens
the amount of control one has over their vehicle.

> I remember trying braking using downshifting and my mileage went down
> by about 15% (city driving, from 35 to 30). Why would I want this?

Then you're not doing it correctly.