What Are the Benefits of Engine Braking?
3 Answers
Engine braking helps in timely deceleration or stopping, ensuring driving safety; utilizing engine braking can effectively reduce the frequency of using foot brakes. Below is a detailed explanation of engine braking: Principle: During normal driving, when the throttle is engaged, the engine is the active component, and the vehicle is the passive one, with the engine driving the car to go faster or maintain a constant speed. If the throttle is released after reaching speed, the vehicle becomes the active component, and the engine becomes passive, with the car driving the engine to rotate, causing the speed to decrease gradually, and the engine becomes a burden—this is engine braking. Specific Method: This is commonly referred to as "downshifting" and can be used in emergency situations when brakes fail. Press the clutch, shift into neutral, release the clutch; rev the engine hard; press the clutch again, shift into a lower gear, and release the clutch. (Revving the engine in neutral is to quickly increase the engine speed in a short time to match the vehicle speed, otherwise, the speed difference between the two would be too large to shift into a lower gear.)
I've been driving long-haul trucks for fifteen years, frequently encountering downhill conditions in mountainous areas, where engine braking is an essential skill for me. It significantly reduces brake pad wear and avoids brake failure issues caused by heat fade. Especially on steep slopes, the engine can hold back the speed, allowing the vehicle to decelerate smoothly and making control more reassuring and safer. I've tried it no less than ten times, saving more than half on brake costs, and even the mechanics say it's a good habit. It also enhances the driving experience by reducing reliance on the brake pedal, making the foot less tired. On wet and slippery roads, it further prevents skidding, overall increasing the safety factor of driving. After forming this habit, the risk of accidents has decreased significantly.
When I first got my driver's license, my instructor emphasized the practicality of engine braking, which I now frequently use in my daily commuter car. The benefits include protecting the brake system by reducing wear and tear, extending the lifespan of components, and saving on maintenance costs. When descending slopes in the city, I gently shift to a lower gear, allowing the car to slow down smoothly without harsh braking that could cause jerking. This provides stable control, which is especially friendly for beginners. Additionally, it indirectly reduces fuel consumption because maintaining a steady speed without frequent hard braking helps save on fuel expenses. After driving for a year, my brake pads have proven to be much more durable than my neighbor's, and the improvement in safety is particularly noticeable.
