Is Engine Braking Considered as Braking?

[KiraLee]

Engine braking is not the same as foot braking. Engine braking refers to lifting the accelerator pedal without depressing the clutch, utilizing the compression resistance generated by the engine's compression stroke, internal friction, and intake/exhaust resistance to create a braking effect on the drive wheels. Relevant information about the automotive braking system is as follows: 1. Introduction 1: The vehicle's braking system consists of a control system, hydraulic system, and power assist system. The brake pump is a crucial component of the hydraulic system and can be divided into the master cylinder and wheel cylinders, serving as essential parts of hydraulic braking. 2. Introduction 2: The vehicle's braking system generates friction between the brake pads and the wheel hub or disc, converting the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into heat energy during the friction process, thereby reducing the vehicle's speed until it comes to a complete stop. The vehicle's brakes are the prerequisite for automotive braking. Brake pads need to be replaced regularly to maintain optimal braking performance and avoid extending the braking distance of the vehicle.

[OClaire]

As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience driving manual transmission cars, I can confidently say that engine braking is not the same as using the brakes—they are two entirely different things. Engine braking occurs when you release the accelerator or downshift, utilizing the internal frictional resistance of the engine to slow the vehicle down. This process doesn’t require pressing the brake pedal and relies entirely on the natural deceleration effect produced by the engine's operation. It’s particularly useful during long descents, helping to prevent brake overheating and potential failure. On the other hand, braking involves pressing the pedal to activate the brake calipers, which clamp onto the wheels to enforce deceleration. While both aim to reduce speed, their mechanisms are fundamentally different. Engine braking acts more like an auxiliary deceleration method, avoiding wear on brake pads, saving fuel, and proving especially effective on winding mountain roads.

[CassandraDella]

I find this quite interesting. Engine braking is definitely not the same as direct physical braking from the brakes. I often experience it while driving, like when I need to slow down on the highway—downshifting raises the engine RPM, creating a resistance that gradually reduces the speed. This is called engine braking. On the other hand, braking requires pressing the pedal, which engages the hydraulic system to clamp the wheels. One relies on the engine's internal workings, while the other depends on external mechanics—the difference is significant. Using engine braking effectively can extend the life of your brakes, but the downside is that frequent use can increase engine load, especially in older vehicles, potentially accelerating wear on components. It's a great aid for safe driving, but don't mistake it for braking.

[Carvalho]

When driving frequently in the city, I find that engine braking is completely different from using the brakes. The former is simply a result of throttle control, slowing down without consuming brake pads, while the latter involves pressing the pedal for actual braking. Engine braking is super practical in traffic jams, reducing the frequency of sudden stops and making driving smoother.