What does it mean to use engine braking for deceleration?

[Diana]

Using engine braking for deceleration refers to lifting the accelerator pedal without depressing the clutch, utilizing the compression resistance, internal friction, and intake/exhaust resistance generated by the engine's compression stroke to create a braking effect on the drive wheels. In daily driving, when encountering muddy or oily road surfaces, it is advisable to use engine braking as much as possible, flexibly applying the parking brake while minimizing the use of foot braking. Below are the advantages of engine braking: 1. The vehicle speed is always limited within a certain range: This facilitates timely deceleration or stopping, ensuring driving safety. 2. Effectively reduces the frequency of foot braking: Avoids prolonged use of the brake, which can cause the brake friction pads to overheat, leading to decreased braking force or even failure. 3. Can lower fuel consumption: During engine braking, the engine often operates in "fuel-cut" mode, consuming no fuel, whereas coasting in neutral results in idle fuel consumption. 4. Due to the differential's function: The braking torque is evenly distributed between the left and right wheels, reducing the likelihood of skidding or fishtailing. 5. On slippery roads, using engine braking for deceleration or stopping: Proves to be safer and more reliable. This is because using foot brakes on slippery roads can more easily cause rollover, fishtailing, or even overturning. Using engine braking for deceleration or stopping avoids these risks.