neutral at high RPM

[carpenter_jai]

Here is a questions that may seem like the answer is obvious, but I don't know much about tranny's, so I thought it best not to assume.

Can I put my car in neutral to coast down to a lower speed instead of allow the gear to slow it down. An example would be when on the highway and the speed limit ahead goes from 100 down to 80 (65mph to 50 mph). Can I pop it out of 5th, into neutral, coast down to 80, and then put it in 4th, without damaging the synchromesh? And what about lower speeds. Will the answer be the same, should I always have it in the gear relative to the speed I'm moving at?

While I'm at it, I may as well ask. Is it okay to down-shift to slow the car with less brakes?

Jai

[Metro Mighty Mouse]

Ah, the age old question, clutch wear, brake wear, lack of direct control of the wheels. It will be interesting to see the debate that this may start. Personally, if I am coasting it is with the clutch in and in gear so I can immediately make adjustments with the throttle if necessary. I have had to be able to accelerate suddenly on occasion to avoid someone who is not paying attention.