W. eWatson wrote:
Doug Miller wrote:
....
Fix the driving habits that are shortening the pad life, and the
difference between the originals and the replacements will cease to be
significant.
Automatic. Doesn't down shifting create wear on the transmission? It's
not the only hill around here. I'd probably wear out my hand down shifting.

Some, sure, but not a concern of noticeably shortening transmission life.

As others noted, however, the difference between recent performance and
original would appear to be mostly related to difference between the OEM
and replacement pads rather than driving habits.

Over the length of a 600-ft hill unless it is very steep indeed (which,
of course, it _could_ be, particularly if it's inside a development or a
private drive as opposed to maintained public road) I'd not expect to be
able to attribute that much difference in wear to simply a tendency to
not downshift. Of course, it would be a reasonable practice as noted
elsewhere (altho the limitations outlined in at least one response are
far in excess of reason on the side of reality, however, imo).

In particular, of course, if one has an automatic that has an overdrive
or similar "mileage" gear, simply shifting down to the fixed gearing
ratio below it will cause engine braking that wouldn't get otherwise.

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