Should the Exhaust Brake Be Kept On All the Time?

[StBrynlee]

The exhaust brake should not be kept on all the time. Prolonged use of the exhaust brake can damage the engine, especially causing severe harm to the valves. The exhaust brake is primarily used in large trucks with diesel engines, achieving the braking process by closing the air valve, which causes a rapid increase in local air pressure within a small space, thereby reducing engine speed. It is recommended to use it with intervals of about 5 seconds to avoid damaging the valves. The correct methods for using the exhaust brake are: 1. The exhaust brake cannot replace the service brake for emergency braking, nor can it be used for parking braking, but it can be used simultaneously with the service brake; 2. When using the exhaust brake, the accelerator pedal should be at zero position, and the fuel injector stops injecting fuel. Pressing the accelerator or clutch pedal will automatically turn off the exhaust brake to prevent engine stalling when stopping and to avoid exhaust brake activation during fuel injection; 3. Do not use the exhaust brake on icy or slippery roads to prevent driving wheel slip and skidding; 4. The braking power of the exhaust brake depends on the engine speed. To ensure the best braking effect, when using the exhaust brake on long downhill slopes, choose an appropriate vehicle gear.