What are the effects of keeping the exhaust brake on for a long time on the car?
4 Answers
Keeping the exhaust brake on for a long time can affect the turbocharger. Below is an introduction to the exhaust brake: 1. The exhaust brake is an auxiliary braking device. When the car is not using or rarely using the braking system, it can effectively reduce or maintain the car's speed, but it will not cause the car to brake suddenly. 2. Proper use of the car's exhaust brake can reduce the use of the driving brake, thereby reducing the wear of the brake system components and lowering the risk of overheating of the driving brake affecting safe driving. The exhaust brake switch is located on the right side of the steering wheel combination switch. After turning on the exhaust brake, the corresponding indicator light on the car's dashboard will illuminate.
Keeping the exhaust brake on for a long time can have significant impacts on the vehicle. Having driven diesel trucks for many years, I know this feature is designed to assist with deceleration, primarily used on downhill slopes. However, if left engaged continuously, the internal engine pressure can spike dramatically, potentially damaging valves and cylinder head gaskets—repairs that could cost thousands. Turbo components also suffer, as overheating leads to premature aging or even cracking. Additionally, fuel consumption noticeably increases because the engine encounters greater resistance, burning through fuel faster. Misusing it on flat roads is even worse, possibly causing control failure or skidding risks. I recommend activating it only briefly during long descents, balancing it with the foot brake. Adjusting daily driving habits to avoid lazy operation can extend the vehicle's lifespan.
In mountain driving, the exhaust brake is a helpful tool but shouldn't be kept engaged for extended periods. My freight hauling experience shows that short-term use protects brake pads from overheating, but keeping it on throughout the journey drastically increases engine braking load. This can damage exhaust system components like cracked turbo housings or deformed valves, leading to costly repairs. Fuel consumption also creeps up – not only burning more fuel but also degrading overall power response. From a safety perspective, prolonged activation on slippery surfaces may cause control instability, increasing accident risks. I've developed the habit of briefly engaging it only on steep descents, disengaging immediately after the slope to ensure stable long-distance operation.
Excessive use of the exhaust brake can cause many problems. It slows the engine by blocking the exhaust pipe to increase back pressure, but sustained high pressure damages the vehicle. For example, the turbocharger can overheat and fail, leading to costly replacements. Internal engine components like valves and gaskets are also prone to issues, resulting in oil leaks or unusual noises. Fuel consumption increases as well, wasting money. I learned this the hard way when driving an old truck—I forgot to turn it off on flat terrain, causing severe engine knocking. The control circuit may also fail due to overload. It's best to use it only when needed on downhill slopes, for just a few minutes at a time.
