engine braking

construction, and lubrication is common

different demands on a gearbox

For a given output load, a gearbox driven as a multiplier has greater loading on its gears than when operating in reduction.

than to replace brake components

There was I thinking its purpose to be transmitting power from the engine to the wheels. I wonder where I heard that fallacy.

I remember that hill! As a child I remember being on holiday and we approached the hill, but the warning signs were hidden by overgrown bushes and we proceeded up there in an ailing Austin 1800, towing a caravan. Somehow we made it, but on the way up we passed two cars that had overheated on the way up!

SteveW

I liked the sign at the bottom that says something like:you must engage first gear now. We went up in an overloaded chevette at a good speed.

Driving School? Obscure old rule just like the shuffle steering which you are forced to do. "The car must be in gear at all times...", said the teacher. But the old two-stroke cars had freewheeling to prevent oil starvation.

Give the brakes a break, is a good idea. I have seen red gloving disc brakes on a car that I once had, just by a little enthusiastic driving. The bakes really weren't up to it.

construction, and lubrication is common

different demands on a gearbox

on its gears than when operating in reduction.

than to replace brake components

the wheels. I wonder where I heard that fallacy.

All very good points. I'm not saying that I don't learn something from these discussions. Just that I notice that automatic cars have lock down ratios, precisely to enable engine braking in mountainous areas. I can't imagine that driveline wear is in excess of ordinary acceleration e.g. by an enthusiastic driver.