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What is engine braking? You’ve probably heard this term a few times and this is the post for you if you’re curious about what it means. Engine braking involves slowing your car down without using the brake pedal. Yes, you read that right; you don’t need the foot brake to slowly reduce your speed. Slowing down your car this way isn’t just different; it may also extend the lifespan of some of your vehicle components. Stick around as we explore this topic in detail.
Engine braking is when you use the engine to slow down your vehicle. Also known as compression braking, it involves taking your foot off the accelerator to close the air intake valve and limit air flow into the engine cylinders, which in turn slows down the vehicle’s engine.
This is different from the more popular braking technique, which involves pushing the pedal so your car can transmit the force from your foot to its brakes through fluid. It’s important to note that engine braking won’t bring you to a complete stop. You still have to use the clutch and brake to stop the vehicle.
How Does Engine Braking Work?
Engine braking works by releasing the accelerator to close the airflow valve and create a vacuum. In petrol vehicles, this prevents airflow into the cylinders and causes a decrease in energy that starts to create a braking force to slow down. During engine braking, the vehicle transfers resistance in the engine to the wheels through the drivetrain. The result is your car slows down from speeding without you pushing the foot brake.
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How To Engine Brake
Some people can get the hang of engine braking on the first try but it’s okay if you need to try a couple of times to figure it out. The most important thing is to keep your safety in mind while engine braking, so it’s best to try it on flat, uncrowded and dry roads the first time.
To start with, you have to gradually take your foot off the accelerator pedal and shift to a lower gear, then slowly release the clutch. You must let the vehicle slow to a proper speed and shift down one gear at a time. This will start to slow the vehicle and allow you to avoid having to use the foot brake. While this is going on, make sure to have both hands on the steering wheel to maintain control.
The above steps are for manual transmission vehicles. Engine braking in an automatic car is less common but it is possible. You can do it by switching from drive to the available range of lower gears. Switching your car to lower gear brings the speed down while you let your foot off the accelerator.
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Jake Brakes
Jake brakes are the diesel vehicle versions of engine brakes. They are usually found in heavy-duty trucks, where they work by using the engine’s compression stroke to create a braking effect. When you activate them, Jake brakes open exhaust valves prematurely, allowing compressed air to escape, which slows the engine down and reduces the speed of the vehicle.
Here are the key things to note about Jake brake:
- It is primarily used in large trucks and buses.
- It also reduces brake wear.
- It can be noisy. In fact, this has caused it to be banned in residential areas in many countries.
In a similar topic, check out our other blog post to learn what sport mode does in your car.
When Should You Use Engine Braking?
You should use engine braking when you need to maintain control and ensure safety, such as when driving down a steep hill or from a mountain. By shifting to a lower gear, you reduce the engine speed while controlling the vehicle’s speed without relying on only the brakes.
What’s more, engine braking is useful in slippery conditions as it slows the vehicle more gradually than slamming the brakes, which reduces the risk of locking the wheels. However, you need to be very careful or you might cause even more skidding if you downshift too quickly.
Make sure to turn on your brake lights if the vehicle does not automatically signal deceleration when engine braking.
Benefits Of Engine Braking
Engine braking has its benefits. You’re not just using this braking system for the fun of it. Here are some of the perks:
- Lower maintenance cost: Since you’ll be using the foot pedal less frequently, you’ll be reducing the wear and tear on braking components like brake drums, pipes and pads, extending their lifespan.
- Safer drive: Engine braking prevents excessive friction that can cause brake fade and eventually brake failure. If this happens, you’ll be unable to stop the vehicle and could get into an accident.
- Better fuel efficiency: Engine braking can also reduce fuel usage since the Engine Control Module (ECM) shuts off the fuel supply to the injectors for the cylinders used during compression braking.
Dangers Of Engine Braking
Now we know all about the benefits of engine braking but are there any negatives compared to the standard vehicle braking system? For starters, aggressive engine braking may increase the wear and tear of the clutch or gearbox. Aside from this, you just have to look out for the following:
- No brake light: When engine braking, your brake lights won’t come on, potentially surprising drivers behind you.
- Slippery conditions: Although engine braking is useful on slippery roads, you have to be gentle when pulling it off. Dropping into too low of a gear causes the drive wheels to slow down abruptly, potentially locking them and losing traction. This is more common if your car is rear-wheel drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Engine Braking Bad For The Engine?
No, engine braking is not bad for your engine. In fact, it can even be great in certain situations. For one, it reduces brake wear, limiting your reliance on the vehicle’s braking system. Engine braking can also make your car more fuel efficient since the ECM shuts off the fuel supply to the injectors for the cylinders used in standard foot braking.
Is Engine Braking Better Than Using The Brake Pedal?
No, engine braking is not better than using the brake pedal. Engine braking has its benefits, such as reduced brake wear, controlling speed down a slope and better fuel efficiency. However, you should use it together with the foot brake, not as an alternative. Traditional braking systems are still best for immediate stops and slippery conditions.
Does Engine Braking Save Fuel?
Yes, engine braking saves fuel. When you engine brake, you’re essentially using the engine’s resistance to slow the vehicle down. During this process, most modern fuel-injected engines will cut off the fuel supply, meaning no fuel is being used while you’re slowing down. This is a major advantage over traditional braking, which relies on friction and therefore consumes energy.
Can I Use Engine Braking In An Electric Car?
Yes, you can use engine braking in an electric car, but it is called regenerative braking in this case. Electric vehicles don’t have engines in the same way that gasoline or diesel cars do. The regenerative braking system uses the car’s electric motor to slow down the electric vehicle, converting the kinetic energy into electrical energy and storing it in the battery.
Do I Need The Accelerator Pedal For Engine Braking?
No, you don’t need the accelerator pedal for engine braking. In fact, releasing the accelerator pedal is the primary action that initiates engine braking. When you release the accelerator, the amount of fuel injected into the engine decreases, reducing the engine’s power output. This reduction in power creates resistance within the engine, which in turn slows down the vehicle.
Conclusion
So, what is engine braking? Engine braking is a simple technique that can make your driving experience better while improving fuel efficiency. By understanding how it works and when to use it, you can safely and effectively control your vehicle’s speed. Remember, engine braking is not a substitute for your foot brake but rather to be used in conjunction with it.
