Is Engine Braking the Same as Regular Braking?

[McCayden]

Engine braking is not the same as regular braking. The engine braking mechanism serves only as a deceleration device, not as a vehicle stopping system. It cannot replace the vehicle's service brake system. In emergency situations or when a complete stop is required, the vehicle's brake system (i.e., regular braking) must be used. Below are guidelines for properly utilizing engine braking: On steep roads such as long descents or rugged mountain paths: Engine braking must be used in combination with intermittent braking to control speed. Prolonged use of brakes can impair braking efficiency or even cause brake failure. Therefore, under such conditions, it's advisable to take appropriate breaks, allowing the brake drums and shoes to cool before continuing. On slippery surfaces like oil-coated roads, muddy, or icy/snowy roads: Engine braking should be employed as much as possible, with flexible use of the parking brake to minimize foot braking. If foot braking is necessary, intermittent braking is recommended, and the brake pedal should never be fully depressed to prevent skidding.

[StCody]

From a driving experience perspective, engine braking and conventional braking are completely different. I drive mountain roads daily for deliveries, often downshifting to use engine resistance for deceleration on descents, which significantly reduces wear on brake pads. Especially on long downhill sections, frequent brake application can easily lead to overheating and failure, making engine braking a much safer alternative. However, it's important to remind beginners that engine braking is primarily noticeable above 30km/h - at lower speeds you'll still need to rely on the brake pedal. Most crucially, never coast in neutral, as this completely eliminates engine braking effects.

[VonIsabelle]

I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade, and engine braking is my most frequently used technique. Simply put, it's the resistance generated when engine RPM suddenly increases during downshifting, like applying an invisible shackle to the wheels. This is fundamentally different from pressing the brake pedal, where brakes rely on friction pads clamping the wheels. The key point is that engine braking can effectively reduce brake fade, especially when driving heavy vehicles downhill. I often descend slowly in third or even second gear, which both saves brake pads and ensures stability.

[SanLuna]

A friend who works in vehicle engineering once explained to me that engine braking is a physical phenomenon where internal resistance does work. When you release the throttle while still in gear, the inertia drives the wheels to rotate in reverse, dragging the engine along, and the pistons compress air to create resistance. On the other hand, the braking system is a mechanical process where hydraulic pressure pushes the calipers to clamp the brake discs. The principles of deceleration for these two methods are entirely different. Our racing team often uses this technique to slow down before entering a corner, allowing precise control over the entry speed. However, for everyday driving, regular car owners using the brakes is sufficient.