Using a brake pedal is one of the common ways to stop or slow down your vehicle. However, a foot brake is not the only way to stop a car. Though less commonly used, engine braking is another way to stop a vehicle. Using engine braking might not be as efficient as using a foot brake, but it has some hidden benefits that might be unknown to you. Read on and find everything that you need to know about engine braking.
What is Engine Braking
The engine braking system helps in slowing down the vehicle by releasing the accelerator pedal and shifting down through the gears. Ignition and injection are interrupted during this phase. In a standard petrol engine, the engine braking restricts the airflow that causes a high manifold vacuum and creates a braking force to stop a vehicle. However, the braking system only works when a car is in gear.
Will Engine Braking Do Any Harm to My Car?
Many people think that engine braking can harm a vehicle. However, it won’t harm a car as long as the driver is following the safe driving practice.
Your car’s engine often revs loudly when you shift down; however, these loud revs are normal and will not cause damage to your vehicle. Since engine brakes are designed to take a lot of power and heat, it can take hours and hours while taking a road trip. Thus, as long as the RMPs are not crossing the red line on your dashboard, you are good to go. Also, you will notice some signs that can indicate your car brakes need repair. Besides, there are other warning lights on the car’s dashboard to keep an eye on.
You can simply follow the below-mentioned tips to avoid any damage to your car transmission.
- Overheating of car brakes is its a natural enemy. Therefore, keep up-to-date by checking the water and oil levels.
- Even if you do not use your foot on the brake pedal when applying the engine brake, it is important to always check the condition of the pads and disc to ensure the safety of the entire system. The same goes for the clutch.
- Tire pressure should always be evaluated before taking a trip. Especially if you plan to start using the engine brake on slopes.
- Try not to shift the gear at high speed.
Benefits of Engine Braking
- It reduces the wear and tear of the brake discs and pads because in most situations you don’t even need to apply the brakes via the brake pedal.
- By holding the vehicle through the gears, traction is not lost.
- Reduce fuel consumption, without pressing the accelerator pedal, there is no fuel intake.
- It is effective on downhill slopes by creating a natural smooth consistent force. That said, the B-gear in hybrid cars can recharge the car battery through regenerative braking when going downhill.
- The engine braking increases the stopping ability and reduces the risk of accidents, as the vehicle’s braking efficiency increases.
If you want to ensure safer trips, especially when going through long stretches downhill, it’s good to start using the engine brake more. With it, the car will be more controlled. That’s because it will have more traction power, increasing its braking capacity. In addition, you will have many other gains, such as fuel economy and reduced wear of brake system components and tires.
This concludes our guide on how to do engine braking. If you are planning to buy a used car in the UAE, make sure its brakes are working properly. In case you are planning to change your car brakes or other car parts, you can buy car parts for sale in the UAE from dubizzle.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog if you find the information helpful.
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