Is Engine Braking the Same as Regular Braking?

[DiMelanie]

Engine braking is not the same as regular braking. The engine braking system is merely a deceleration device, not a vehicle stopping mechanism. It cannot replace the service brake system of a car. In emergency situations or when complete vehicle stoppage is required, the service brake (i.e., regular braking) system must be used. Below are guidelines for proper utilization of engine braking: 1. Steep terrains like long descents or rugged mountain roads: Engine braking must be employed in conjunction with intermittent braking to control speed. Prolonged use of brakes can impair braking efficiency or even lead to brake failure. Therefore, under such conditions, it's advisable to take periodic stops to allow brake drums and shoes to cool before continuing. 2. Slippery surfaces such as oil-coated roads or muddy/icy/snowy terrain: Maximize engine braking and flexibly use the parking brake to minimize foot brake application. If foot braking is necessary, prefer intermittent braking and avoid abrupt full-force application to prevent skidding. 3. Key considerations: When using engine braking, select appropriate gears based on road conditions and vehicle load, and apply suitable wheel braking according to speed. Too low a gear results in excessively slow speeds; too high a gear causes excessive wheel brake usage.