What does the B shift do?

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by captainjimbo, Jul 17, 2008.

  1. captainjimbo

    captainjimbo New Member

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    The B shift is for engine brake, right?
    It doesn't seem to make a difference when I shift to B.

    The Park button sets an engine brake too?

    What is the difference?
     
    #1 captainjimbo, Jul 17, 2008
  2. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    #2 TonyPSchaefer, Jul 17, 2008
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  3. miscrms

    miscrms Plug Envious Member

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    B is for blind. Makes the engine louder when there are blind people around ;-)

    Rob
     
    #3 miscrms, Jul 17, 2008
  4. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    It adds engine drag and reduces fuel economy. It should only be used when going down a long downgrade as an alternative to riding the brake. It should not be used in ordinary driving; there's no city in the US where you need to use it.
     
    #4 richard schumacher, Jul 17, 2008
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  5. N3FOL

    N3FOL Member

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    I was told that it may be good in slippery snowy roads, where one should not apply any braking.
     
    #5 N3FOL, Jul 18, 2008
  6. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    Not true. Braking with B mode is still braking, and it's doing it with only the front wheels. If you apply drag to the wheels, it's braking no matter what you choose to call it. Save B mode for long or very steep downhills.

    Tom
     
    #6 qbee42, Jul 18, 2008
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