In standard conditions, the driver must press the brake pedal to slow down or stop the car. However, this is not always a good solution. In some situations, you have to break so much and so often that it could lead to a failure of the entire system. Instead, it is worth using engine braking. What is it? How do we do it correctly, and what is worth knowing about it? In these Conditions, you need to contact with Tow Truck Winnipeg with Future Towing.
Engine braking – what is it?
To learn how to use an alternative braking method, you first need to know what engine braking is. It is a way to slow down your car without using the brake pedal, which is normally used for this purpose, but it does not always work as well.
To use engine braking, you need to take your foot off the gas pedal and then gradually start to downshift. This will trigger a series of reactions that will cause the speed at which the car is moving to drop. The wheels will turn slower, and you won't have to wear out the brake discs to go slower.
What causes this reaction? It's caused by the principle of the car itself and physics. When you release the gas pedal, you close the air intake valve. As a result, you restrict the air flow to the cylinders. Energy is sucked out and the car starts to brake.
Importantly, engine braking will not work if the car is in neutral . You must select one of the gears (the lower the gear, the faster the car will brake). Why is this? When driving in neutral, braking does not affect the steering system, so the speed of wheel rotation does not decrease.
How to engine brake?
How to engine brake step by step? The procedure is very simple, but for novice drivers or those who have no experience with it, it can be difficult and even stressful. Above all, it requires a sense of your own vehicle. If you become familiar with how it reacts in specific situations, the whole thing will not be a problem for you. On the contrary - it will become a tool that you will be happy to use in situations that require it.
How to brake without using the brake pedal? You need to follow the steps below step by step.
Make sure that you can brake safely at a given place and time. To do this, check that the cars behind you are at an appropriate distance and that the maneuver can be carried out in a given situation.
Release the gas pedal and clutch pedal (without pressing the brake pedal, of course).
Start downshifting.
For drivers, especially beginners, the biggest problem is how far down to shift to brake. The rule is that the lower the gear, the faster the braking. However, it's not always about slowing down suddenly.
For example, if you are driving on a steep road and want to reduce speed, when entering a bend, you have 70 km/h on the clock, you are driving in fourth gear, start to gradually reduce. First, put in third gear, and if you still do not reach the expected speed, reduce the gear even more. Over time, you will see how your car reacts in specific situations. You will learn how to achieve specific goals.
In what situations is engine braking useful? When is it better not to use this option?
Engine braking is not a standard method of slowing down or stopping a car, and you need to be aware of that. It is not recommended to use this solution every day, but only in specific conditions. Then it can increase driving comfort, safety level, and at the same time protect the braking system from overheating and damage.
Where is the most common braking done with the engine? This method works best in the mountains and when driving on steep roads. When the car goes downhill, it gains speed. If you wanted to reduce it by pressing the brake, you could even damage the entire system. Braking would be necessary throughout the entire route. Instead, at the top of the hill, it is worth slightly reducing the gear, and if necessary, shifting to a lower one. The engine will regulate the speed itself. If you want to stop, just lightly press the appropriate pedal.
If you decide to brake normally while driving on a steep road, do not do it continuously - do not press the brake and do not hold it. Instead, every now and then, pulsate and gently press the pedal. This will be just as effective and safer for the system and the entire vehicle.
What to watch out for when engine braking?
When using engine braking, you need to be careful about three things. The first is the type of road surface. If it is unstable (e.g. gravel or icy asphalt), changing down too quickly can cause you to skid. This will be especially dangerous on a steep road, where you most often use the engine to brake.
The second situation you need to watch out for is the risk of your car stopping suddenly if you shift down too much (then the engine revs increase). It may turn out that the vehicle behind you will hit you. This will lead to a traffic hazard and will be associated with damage to your car, as well as the risk of injury or death.
The third situation is when you need to stop your car suddenly , for example because an obstacle appears in front of you that you can't avoid. In that case, engine braking won't be a good choice. Instead, you need to use the brakes.
What can be the consequences of incorrect engine braking?
Too abrupt a downshift or braking incorrectly can damage the engine or drive system. Their repair will be more expensive than regenerating the brake system, which is something to remember - especially during crisis situations on the road.
What is the cause of this danger? The key here is that the engine speed increases with the gear change. If you do it too quickly, it will also increase too much. As long as the RPM indicator does not exceed the red zone, it will not be dangerous. However, if it does, it may cause a breakdown.
Another danger is a quick change from high to low gear. To avoid this, you need to change down gradually. Otherwise, you can damage the gearbox and other components in the car. Readside Assistance Service always use more then more.
Is engine braking safe?
Some people believe that engine braking is never safe. For others, it is a method that can be used without any risk, but it must be done skillfully. What is the reality? It is difficult to pass judgment, because opinions are divided. Sometimes this method does indeed allow for comfortable and safe driving. Sometimes, however, it can lead to serious vehicle failures. However, knowledge of how to engine brake will certainly reduce the risk of technical problems.
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