Engine brake, also known as compression brake, which helps slow a vehicle by reducing engine power. Most drivers only know the two classic ways to slow down a vehicle: the pedal brake and the handbrake. But in addition to these, there is the engine brake, which is an important tool for professional drivers, especially those who drive large trucks and buses, as it can help reduce brake wear and increase safety on the road.
In the following lines we will discuss more details about this maneuver, we will detail what the engine brake means, how the engine brake is done and what are the situations in which its use is required.
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1. Engine brake - what it means, what is the working mechanism and how to use it correctly
In a car with a manual gearbox, compression braking is achieved by downshifting while driving. Engine braking is a maneuver that does not use the mechanical system of the car to slow it down, but the power of the engine. When the driver releases the accelerator pedal and downshifts, the engine speed increases, which creates a back pressure in the engine, slowing the car down. This technique is commonly used by experienced drivers while descending steep hills, as it reduces the need for frequent use of the mechanical brakes and can help maintain better control of the car especially when the road is covered in snow or ice. .
However, it is important to note that excessive use of the engine brake can put unnecessary stress on the engine and powertrain components. Therefore, it is recommended to use it only when necessary and in combination with the conventional braking system, so that the car remains in the optimal parameters of performance and safety.
Because the market of car sales began to be dominated by cars with an automatic gearbox, you should know that even in their case it is possible to use the engine brake. In the case of this type of car, the engine brake is applied when the gearbox is in Drive mode and the gears are gradually reduced, reaching first gear.
When an engine is running, it generates energy by burning fuel in the combustion chamber. This process creates a lot of energy, and when the driver releases the gas pedal, the engine continues to spin, generating power even though the driver is not applying any force.
The engine brake works by restricting the flow of air into the engine's cylinders, which creates a back pressure that slows the engine's rotation. This back pressure is created by closing the engine exhaust valves during the engine's power stroke, which compresses the air in the cylinders and slows the engine speed.
Compression braking is commonly used on large commercial vehicles such as trucks and buses to help slow the vehicle when going down a grade or in other situations where the driver needs to reduce speed without using the brakes excessively .
Engine brake operating mechanism
Engine braking works by using engine compression to slow the vehicle. During the power stroke, the engine's pistons compress the air in the cylinders, which generates heat and pressure. When the driver engages the engine brake, the system opens the exhaust valves at the top of the compression stroke, releasing compressed air from the cylinders and slowing the engine.
The process creates a high-pressure wave that travels through the exhaust system, which helps slow the vehicle by creating resistance against the movement of the engine. This process is repeated for each cylinder of the engine, which helps slow the vehicle down more effectively.
2. Engine brake - what are the situations in which it is recommended to use this function
Engine braking is particularly useful in situations where the driver needs to slow down the vehicle as quickly as possible, such as when driving on a steep incline. Using the engine brake can help prevent overheating and loss of brake effectiveness, which can be dangerous on long descents. It is also useful in situations where the driver needs to maintain very good control of the vehicle, such as when driving on slippery roads, in icy or snowy road conditions.
In addition, using engine braking can help reduce wear and tear on your vehicle's braking system, which can help you save money on maintenance and repairs in the long run. By reducing the need for frequent brake pad replacement, this engine brake can help extend the life of your vehicle and improve its overall performance.
In conclusion, the engine brake is a useful tool for all categories of drivers when they are in less than favorable road conditions, especially for drivers driving large trucks and buses. This helps slow the vehicle down without using the car's mechanical brakes, which can reduce wear and tear on the brake system and increase road safety. By understanding how to use the engine brake effectively and in what situations it is best to do so, you can ensure that you use this feature of your car to its full potential and improve your driving experience
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