Fiat 500 Quiz
Starting and operating

Downshifting

In this manual: Starting and operating
Introduction — 6Things to know before starting your vehicle — 70Understanding the features of your vehicle — 72Understanding your instrument panel — 74Starting and operating — 70What to do in emergencies — 28Maintaining your vehicle — 50Maintenance schedules — 3If you need consumer assistance — 14
~1min read

Proper downshifting will improve fuel economy and prolong engine life.

If you skip more than one gear while downshifting or downshift at too high a vehicle speed, you could damage the engine, transmission, or clutch.

To maintain a safe speed and prolong brake life, shift down to second or first gear when descending a steep grade.

When turning a corner or driving up a steep grade, downshift early so that the engine will not be overburdened.

Test yourself

A quick Fiat 500 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.