Whether you drive an automatic or manual transmission, your car brakes go through regular wear and tear. The better you treat your brakes, the longer they’ll last — that’s why many drivers adopt engine braking to slow their cars. This method benefits your brakes by reducing their overall use. To learn more about this driving method, check out the guide below.

What Is Engine Braking?

Manual and automatic cars can both engine brake. It works by releasing the accelerator, causing a high manifold vacuum that the engine cylinders must work against.

The vacuum restricts airflow to the engine, sapping energy from it, and causing a drop in power and deceleration. You may sometimes engine brake on your own without realizing it— like coasting down a long hill instead of holding down the brake. 

What Are the Reasons to Engine Brake?

Engine braking reduces the overall use and wear on car brakes. By decelerating passively, drivers maintain control of the vehicle while reducing heat and friction enacted against their brakes. This maintains the life span of your car brakes, meaning you’ll replace them less often.

It is also more fuel-efficient, as engine braking shuts off fuel consumption. Additionally, whenever you brake, it signals the action and sets off the brake lights. This causes other drivers to also tap their brakes, and in heavy traffic, this can create a chain of congestion due to unnecessary braking. 

When Are the Best Times to Engine Brake?

Engine braking is ideal for coasting — like down long hills — to keep from excessively wearing out the brake from holding it down as you descend. In traffic, it’s helpful to engine brake while approaching red lights from a distance — if they change before you reach them, you’ll avoid coming to a full stop and expending extra fuel to regain momentum. Careful engine braking in heavy traffic will also help reduce congestion, as previously mentioned. 

Are you looking for a trusted auto repair team to replace your car brakes? Look no further than T. Busch Automotive. They service Jefferson and Ashtabula, OH, as well as the surrounding areas. Their trained mechanics deliver quality results over a wide variety of services, including preventative maintenance and repairs. They will work hard to prolong the life of your vehicle. To make an appointment, call (440) 576-1971. To learn more about their services, check out their website.