Engine Braking
Engine Braking: What is it and how do you do it?
Engine braking is the process of reducing speed by lifting your foot from the gas pedal and shifting down through gears. This works without not having to press on the brakes.
When you take your foot off the accelerator, the throttle body valve closes, limiting airflow to the engine. When there is little to no air flowing to the cylinders, a vacuum is created, causing the energy to decrease and the wheels to slow.
Engine braking is usually in cars with a manual transmission although this can work with automatic cars.
How to Engine Brake
Engine braking is simple. However it’s challenging to get it right the first time. So you would need to practice a couple times before you could perfect it.
To slow down, lift your foot from the accelerator pedal and shift to a lower gear while speed matching. This will cause your car to slow down without having to step on the brake. You then perform the clutch and brake approach to fully stop the vehicle.
If you’re driving down a long slope hill, the car will automatically accelerate. You would have to slow the car down. Stepping on the brake, the brake could heat up which could result in a brake fade or vapor lock. This could fail your brakes. To avoid this, you could perform engine braking.
Tips for Beginners
Here are some simple steps to help you avoid gearbox damage when you learn how to engine brake.
- At high speeds, do not immediately shift to lower gears. This will put pressure on the gearbox and engine.
- Shift down one gear at a time. Give the car time to adjust before switching the gear again.
- Use the engine brake wisely, especially if you’re driving automatic.
Engine Braking Benefits
- Reduces Wear and Tear
- The braking system relies on friction. Overtime, this could wear out the brakes and lose its usefulness. Engine braking you can use the footbrake at a short rate for a longer period.
- As mentioned, stepping on the brake when going down a sloped hill could overheat the brakes. This is known as brake heat and this reduces the performance of the brake when done frequently. Performing engine braking while going down hill, the brakes heat is reduced, making your brakes last longer.
- Saves fuel and increases efficiency.
- When engine braking, you use up less fuel than when you use the footbrake. The reasoning it being when you lift your foot from the gas pedal, the engine decreases the consumption of energy.
- The difference would be especially noticeable when driving long distances.
- Helps you drive safer.
- Engine braking is also useful during traffic situations. If you see traffic ahead of you and you wish to slow down, instead of waiting until the last minute to stop, you could perform engine braking. This will give you and the car behind you more time to react to the changing conditions on the road.
- In wintery icy weathers, engine braking could be much safer. When the road is slippery, slamming the foot brakes and locking the wheels could lead to sliding. Engine braking helps you slow down without having you to use the foot brakes.
Is Engine Braking bad for your car?
Engine braking is a completely safe technique as long as you, the driver, drive safely and responsibly. You may hear the engine rev up loudly. This is a natural response to shifting down gears. As long as you are not speeding or going past the redline of your RPM, engine braking is safe.