Thread: Modern Diesels

Originally Posted by Paddy79

if you go up hill in 3rd gear go down it in 2nd gear and then use brakes as required should not burn out brakes and slow down safely? No?

That was more the old rule. With the small displacement engine in the Focus it would not hold in first on a hill I went up in third. I've followed a vehicle down the Takaka hill that kept having to use the brakes, the smell was not good, and then the brakes wouldn't hold the speed. It's a no thanks from me.

For the little driving I do personally there is no advantage in a modern efficient diesel. The depreciation would be much greater than the difference in fuel bill. The power is good though, but I can live without it. I prefer something I have to think about to drive.