>
> > Unless there is a reason why the brakes are not up to the job, I use
> > them to do all of my slowing down.for a lightweight vehicle in ordinary use, you can get away with this
> just fine. for a heavy vehicle, or a vehicle in heavy use, it's a
> highly dangerous habit to be in. use engine braking and keep your
> brakes cool for when you may really need them.
>
>

If engine braking is a good thing to do, then why do I see roadside
message saying "Please avoid use of engine braking" at
not-so-steep-ramp?

Thanks.



>
> > The only time I might manually down shift and automatic is when
> > traveling on roads which constantly change from uphill to downhill and
> > thus cause a lot of extra shifting of the transmission.
>
> > John

 

ExtremeValue wrote:
>>> Unless there is a reason why the brakes are not up to the job, I use
>>> them to do all of my slowing down.for a lightweight vehicle in ordinary use, you can get away with this
>> just fine. for a heavy vehicle, or a vehicle in heavy use, it's a
>> highly dangerous habit to be in. use engine braking and keep your
>> brakes cool for when you may really need them.
>>
>>
>
> If engine braking is a good thing to do, then why do I see roadside
> message saying "Please avoid use of engine braking" at
> not-so-steep-ramp?

because the jake brakes on trucks make too much noise for residential
neighborhoods!!! why do /you/ think trucks have brakes like that???

>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
>>> The only time I might manually down shift and automatic is when
>>> traveling on roads which constantly change from uphill to downhill and
>>> thus cause a lot of extra shifting of the transmission.
>>> John
>

 

ExtremeValue wrote:
>>> Unless there is a reason why the brakes are not up to the job, I use
>>> them to do all of my slowing down.for a lightweight vehicle in ordinary use, you can get away with this
>> just fine. for a heavy vehicle, or a vehicle in heavy use, it's a
>> highly dangerous habit to be in. use engine braking and keep your
>> brakes cool for when you may really need them.
>>
>>
>
> If engine braking is a good thing to do, then why do I see roadside
> message saying "Please avoid use of engine braking" at
> not-so-steep-ramp?

because the jake brakes on trucks make too much noise for residential
neighborhoods!!! why do /you/ think trucks have brakes like that???

>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
>>> The only time I might manually down shift and automatic is when
>>> traveling on roads which constantly change from uphill to downhill and
>>> thus cause a lot of extra shifting of the transmission.
>>> John
>

 

ExtremeValue wrote:
>>> Unless there is a reason why the brakes are not up to the job, I use
>>> them to do all of my slowing down.for a lightweight vehicle in ordinary use, you can get away with this
>> just fine. for a heavy vehicle, or a vehicle in heavy use, it's a
>> highly dangerous habit to be in. use engine braking and keep your
>> brakes cool for when you may really need them.
>>
>>
>
> If engine braking is a good thing to do, then why do I see roadside
> message saying "Please avoid use of engine braking" at
> not-so-steep-ramp?

because the jake brakes on trucks make too much noise for residential
neighborhoods!!! why do /you/ think trucks have brakes like that???

>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
>>> The only time I might manually down shift and automatic is when
>>> traveling on roads which constantly change from uphill to downhill and
>>> thus cause a lot of extra shifting of the transmission.
>>> John
>

 

"ExtremeValue" <raheem@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1163742310.963913.22270@b28g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com...
> >
>> > Unless there is a reason why the brakes are not up to the job, I use
>> > them to do all of my slowing down.for a lightweight vehicle in ordinary
>> > use, you can get away with this
>> just fine. for a heavy vehicle, or a vehicle in heavy use, it's a
>> highly dangerous habit to be in. use engine braking and keep your
>> brakes cool for when you may really need them.
>>
>>
>
> If engine braking is a good thing to do, then why do I see roadside
> message saying "Please avoid use of engine braking" at
> not-so-steep-ramp?
>
> Thanks.
>

Or "engine braking prohibited." I don't know why such ambiguous wording is
used, and the "unmuffled engine braking prohibited" variation doesn't clear
it up much. All of those refer to big rigs that use engine compression
brakes, often called "jake brakes." I'm sure you've heard them on the
highway in rural areas - a loud "brappppppppp" that can be heard a mile
away. That's why they are restricted. Braking by selecting a lower gear is
not only allowed, for heavily laden trucks it is mandatory. The CDL study
guide here in Arizona - probably the same in all the lower 48 - warns a hill
should be descended in the same gear that was used to ascend it.

Mike

 

"ExtremeValue" <raheem@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1163742310.963913.22270@b28g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com...
> >
>> > Unless there is a reason why the brakes are not up to the job, I use
>> > them to do all of my slowing down.for a lightweight vehicle in ordinary
>> > use, you can get away with this
>> just fine. for a heavy vehicle, or a vehicle in heavy use, it's a
>> highly dangerous habit to be in. use engine braking and keep your
>> brakes cool for when you may really need them.
>>
>>
>
> If engine braking is a good thing to do, then why do I see roadside
> message saying "Please avoid use of engine braking" at
> not-so-steep-ramp?
>
> Thanks.
>

Or "engine braking prohibited." I don't know why such ambiguous wording is
used, and the "unmuffled engine braking prohibited" variation doesn't clear
it up much. All of those refer to big rigs that use engine compression
brakes, often called "jake brakes." I'm sure you've heard them on the
highway in rural areas - a loud "brappppppppp" that can be heard a mile
away. That's why they are restricted. Braking by selecting a lower gear is
not only allowed, for heavily laden trucks it is mandatory. The CDL study
guide here in Arizona - probably the same in all the lower 48 - warns a hill
should be descended in the same gear that was used to ascend it.

Mike

 

"ExtremeValue" <raheem@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1163742310.963913.22270@b28g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com...
> >
>> > Unless there is a reason why the brakes are not up to the job, I use
>> > them to do all of my slowing down.for a lightweight vehicle in ordinary
>> > use, you can get away with this
>> just fine. for a heavy vehicle, or a vehicle in heavy use, it's a
>> highly dangerous habit to be in. use engine braking and keep your
>> brakes cool for when you may really need them.
>>
>>
>
> If engine braking is a good thing to do, then why do I see roadside
> message saying "Please avoid use of engine braking" at
> not-so-steep-ramp?
>
> Thanks.
>

Or "engine braking prohibited." I don't know why such ambiguous wording is
used, and the "unmuffled engine braking prohibited" variation doesn't clear
it up much. All of those refer to big rigs that use engine compression
brakes, often called "jake brakes." I'm sure you've heard them on the
highway in rural areas - a loud "brappppppppp" that can be heard a mile
away. That's why they are restricted. Braking by selecting a lower gear is
not only allowed, for heavily laden trucks it is mandatory. The CDL study
guide here in Arizona - probably the same in all the lower 48 - warns a hill
should be descended in the same gear that was used to ascend it.

Mike

 

Michael Pardee wrote:
>
> "ExtremeValue" <raheem@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1163742310.963913.22270@b28g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com...
> > >
> >> > Unless there is a reason why the brakes are not up to the job, I use
> >> > them to do all of my slowing down.for a lightweight vehicle in ordinary
> >> > use, you can get away with this
> >> just fine. for a heavy vehicle, or a vehicle in heavy use, it's a
> >> highly dangerous habit to be in. use engine braking and keep your
> >> brakes cool for when you may really need them.
> >>
> >>
> >
> > If engine braking is a good thing to do, then why do I see roadside
> > message saying "Please avoid use of engine braking" at
> > not-so-steep-ramp?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
>
> Or "engine braking prohibited." I don't know why such ambiguous wording is
> used, and the "unmuffled engine braking prohibited" variation doesn't clear
> it up much. All of those refer to big rigs that use engine compression
> brakes, often called "jake brakes." I'm sure you've heard them on the
> highway in rural areas - a loud "brappppppppp" that can be heard a mile
> away. That's why they are restricted. Braking by selecting a lower gear is
> not only allowed, for heavily laden trucks it is mandatory. The CDL study
> guide here in Arizona - probably the same in all the lower 48 - warns a hill
> should be descended in the same gear that was used to ascend it.
>
> Mike



Ever notice that brand new trucks don't make much noise when braking?

Seems, (at least around these heeyah pawts), that owner/operators have a
nasty habit of removing the muffling material from their exhaust "to be
kewel" or worse, to "increase power." These are mostly gravel and
construction trucks.

I a big fan of engine braking and down shift on stops as a regular practice.

Of course on my vintage tin with automatics, engine braking is
automatically applied when ever you take your foot off the gas....

JT

 

Michael Pardee wrote:
>
> "ExtremeValue" <raheem@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1163742310.963913.22270@b28g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com...
> > >
> >> > Unless there is a reason why the brakes are not up to the job, I use
> >> > them to do all of my slowing down.for a lightweight vehicle in ordinary
> >> > use, you can get away with this
> >> just fine. for a heavy vehicle, or a vehicle in heavy use, it's a
> >> highly dangerous habit to be in. use engine braking and keep your
> >> brakes cool for when you may really need them.
> >>
> >>
> >
> > If engine braking is a good thing to do, then why do I see roadside
> > message saying "Please avoid use of engine braking" at
> > not-so-steep-ramp?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
>
> Or "engine braking prohibited." I don't know why such ambiguous wording is
> used, and the "unmuffled engine braking prohibited" variation doesn't clear
> it up much. All of those refer to big rigs that use engine compression
> brakes, often called "jake brakes." I'm sure you've heard them on the
> highway in rural areas - a loud "brappppppppp" that can be heard a mile
> away. That's why they are restricted. Braking by selecting a lower gear is
> not only allowed, for heavily laden trucks it is mandatory. The CDL study
> guide here in Arizona - probably the same in all the lower 48 - warns a hill
> should be descended in the same gear that was used to ascend it.
>
> Mike



Ever notice that brand new trucks don't make much noise when braking?

Seems, (at least around these heeyah pawts), that owner/operators have a
nasty habit of removing the muffling material from their exhaust "to be
kewel" or worse, to "increase power." These are mostly gravel and
construction trucks.

I a big fan of engine braking and down shift on stops as a regular practice.

Of course on my vintage tin with automatics, engine braking is
automatically applied when ever you take your foot off the gas....

JT

 

Michael Pardee wrote:
>
> "ExtremeValue" <raheem@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1163742310.963913.22270@b28g2000cwb.googlegro ups.com...
> > >
> >> > Unless there is a reason why the brakes are not up to the job, I use
> >> > them to do all of my slowing down.for a lightweight vehicle in ordinary
> >> > use, you can get away with this
> >> just fine. for a heavy vehicle, or a vehicle in heavy use, it's a
> >> highly dangerous habit to be in. use engine braking and keep your
> >> brakes cool for when you may really need them.
> >>
> >>
> >
> > If engine braking is a good thing to do, then why do I see roadside
> > message saying "Please avoid use of engine braking" at
> > not-so-steep-ramp?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
>
> Or "engine braking prohibited." I don't know why such ambiguous wording is
> used, and the "unmuffled engine braking prohibited" variation doesn't clear
> it up much. All of those refer to big rigs that use engine compression
> brakes, often called "jake brakes." I'm sure you've heard them on the
> highway in rural areas - a loud "brappppppppp" that can be heard a mile
> away. That's why they are restricted. Braking by selecting a lower gear is
> not only allowed, for heavily laden trucks it is mandatory. The CDL study
> guide here in Arizona - probably the same in all the lower 48 - warns a hill
> should be descended in the same gear that was used to ascend it.
>
> Mike



Ever notice that brand new trucks don't make much noise when braking?

Seems, (at least around these heeyah pawts), that owner/operators have a
nasty habit of removing the muffling material from their exhaust "to be
kewel" or worse, to "increase power." These are mostly gravel and
construction trucks.

I a big fan of engine braking and down shift on stops as a regular practice.

Of course on my vintage tin with automatics, engine braking is
automatically applied when ever you take your foot off the gas....

JT

 

I do a lot of mountain driving.
Downshifting saves your brakes.
You dont want them to go out after
hours of using them.
A rule of thumb is, if you are using your brakes
a lot, then you are driving incorrectly.
(Applies to flat land driving too.)
I can usually tell who the tourons
are by excessive brake lights.

 

I do a lot of mountain driving.
Downshifting saves your brakes.
You dont want them to go out after
hours of using them.
A rule of thumb is, if you are using your brakes
a lot, then you are driving incorrectly.
(Applies to flat land driving too.)
I can usually tell who the tourons
are by excessive brake lights.

 

I do a lot of mountain driving.
Downshifting saves your brakes.
You dont want them to go out after
hours of using them.
A rule of thumb is, if you are using your brakes
a lot, then you are driving incorrectly.
(Applies to flat land driving too.)
I can usually tell who the tourons
are by excessive brake lights.

 

jim beam wrote:
> John Horner wrote:
>> Philip Tang wrote:
>>> I drive a honda accord (automatic), and a friend of mine advised me that
>>> when I am driving downhill, I should shift the gear to 3rd gear from
>>> D. If
>>> I do it everyday, 5-6 times daily, will it lower the performance of
>>> the car
>>> (gearbox) ? Or am I simply doing the right thing as anyone should be
>>> doing?
>>>
>>> Philip
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> I have never understood the recommendation to use engine/transmission
>> braking instead of the regular brakes to slow a car down. I would
>> much rather change brake pads than I would repair internal clutch
>> packs in an automatic transmission.
>

Every extra shift is extra wear.

Engine braking also puts load on the bearings and rings for no
productive purpose. Heck, it even puts strain on the throttle butterfly
bushings.


> using the engine is "free" braking. using the brakes is not. once the
> pads get hot, efficiency decreases, and in extreme cases, fade to almost
> nothing. needless to say, you don't want that. [ask any truck driver
> that's used the emergency run-off ramps on grapevine in southern
> california - i drive through once or twice a month, and every time
> there's a truck either in, just towed off, or the evidence of a fresh
> brake failure on those ramps.]
>

For ultra heavy trucks this is of course an entirely different discussion.

For passenger cars in normal use, not trailering and now packed to the
gills, the extra shifting is to no benefit.

John

 

jim beam wrote:
> John Horner wrote:
>> Philip Tang wrote:
>>> I drive a honda accord (automatic), and a friend of mine advised me that
>>> when I am driving downhill, I should shift the gear to 3rd gear from
>>> D. If
>>> I do it everyday, 5-6 times daily, will it lower the performance of
>>> the car
>>> (gearbox) ? Or am I simply doing the right thing as anyone should be
>>> doing?
>>>
>>> Philip
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> I have never understood the recommendation to use engine/transmission
>> braking instead of the regular brakes to slow a car down. I would
>> much rather change brake pads than I would repair internal clutch
>> packs in an automatic transmission.
>

Every extra shift is extra wear.

Engine braking also puts load on the bearings and rings for no
productive purpose. Heck, it even puts strain on the throttle butterfly
bushings.


> using the engine is "free" braking. using the brakes is not. once the
> pads get hot, efficiency decreases, and in extreme cases, fade to almost
> nothing. needless to say, you don't want that. [ask any truck driver
> that's used the emergency run-off ramps on grapevine in southern
> california - i drive through once or twice a month, and every time
> there's a truck either in, just towed off, or the evidence of a fresh
> brake failure on those ramps.]
>

For ultra heavy trucks this is of course an entirely different discussion.

For passenger cars in normal use, not trailering and now packed to the
gills, the extra shifting is to no benefit.

John