What is the mantra for downshifting and revving in large trucks?

[DeDakota]

When shifting gears, it's essential to remember the principle of "accelerate before downshifting, decelerate before downshifting." Here are the relevant details: 1. Points to note when shifting gears: Pay attention to the coordination between the clutch pedal, throttle, and gear lever. Ensure the gear lever is pushed firmly into place to fully engage the gears, preventing gear damage or automatic disengagement while driving. During subsequent upshifts, gradually increase the throttle pressure, but avoid excessive acceleration. 2. When upshifting: The speed of releasing the clutch pedal depends on the gear. For upshifts below medium speed, after shifting to a higher gear, release the clutch pedal to the semi-engaged position to smoothly transition engine power and avoid "jerking" or "shaking" of the vehicle. When shifting from medium speed to high speed, the release speed of the clutch pedal should be appropriately increased.

[LeFaith]

I've spent most of my life in the transportation industry, driving all kinds of heavy trucks. The mantra for downshifting with a throttle blip is simple: 'Blip the throttle then downshift.' It means when you need to downshift, you should first lightly press the accelerator to increase the engine RPM, wait until the RPM matches the higher gear, then press the clutch to downshift. If you downshift directly without blipping the throttle, the truck will jerk violently, damaging the transmission gears, and you might even lose control during long hauls or downhill driving. I've seen many new drivers neglect this, ending up with major repairs within half a year and wasting money. I recommend practicing the feel regularly, combining it with listening to the engine tone at different speeds, and avoiding excessive throttle blips to save fuel. Safe driving comes first, and keeping your vehicle well-maintained saves a lot of hassle.

[MacBrielle]

In the first few years of learning to drive a heavy truck, the mantra I learned from my mentor was 'rev and downshift.' It emphasized always revving the throttle to increase the RPM before downshifting, allowing the engine to match the new gear. During operation, I got used to watching the tachometer, letting the needle approach the target value before pressing the clutch to downshift. At first, I wasn’t skilled—sometimes forgetting to rev, making the shift feel rough, or revving too much, increasing fuel consumption. Later, I paid attention to using this technique when slowing down or taking turns, which helped avoid transmission shock and prolong its lifespan. Combined with driving skills like operating gently in the rain to prevent skidding, this mantra made me much more confident and safer on the road.

[SanKai]

As a seasoned mechanic with years of experience, I know the golden rule for downshifting heavy trucks is to rev the engine before downshifting. Before downshifting, rev the throttle to increase the RPM to match the gear, then proceed with downshifting. Otherwise, the gears can suffer significant damage. A common maintenance issue is directly downshifting, which leads to broken transmission components or rapid wear. Once drivers develop this habit, they can protect mechanical parts, saving both money and hassle. When performing this operation, gently press the throttle to the appropriate point and stop—don't rush it.