Engine Braking Automatic Transmission Car
What is Engine Braking?
Engine braking is a technique used to slow down a vehicle by using the engine’s compression to create resistance against the wheels. This is accomplished by shifting the transmission into a lower gear, which causes the engine to rev higher and create more compression. The increased compression creates more resistance, which slows the vehicle down.
Engine braking is a very effective way to slow down a vehicle, especially on downhill grades. It can also be used to help maintain a steady speed on downhill grades.
How to Use Engine Braking in an Automatic Transmission Car
To use engine braking in an automatic transmission car, simply shift the transmission into a lower gear. The lower the gear, the more engine braking you will get.
For example, if you are driving on a downhill grade, you can shift the transmission into “D2” or “D3” to increase the engine braking. This will help to slow the vehicle down and prevent it from accelerating too quickly.
You can also use engine braking to help maintain a steady speed on downhill grades. Simply shift the transmission into a lower gear and then let off the gas pedal. The engine braking will help to keep the vehicle at a steady speed.
Benefits of Engine Braking
There are several benefits to using engine braking in an automatic transmission car. These include:
* Improved fuel economy. Engine braking can help to improve fuel economy by reducing the amount of time that the engine is idling. When the engine is idling, it is using fuel but not producing any power. By using engine braking, you can reduce the amount of time that the engine is idling and save fuel.
* Reduced brake wear. Engine braking can help to reduce brake wear by reducing the amount of time that you need to use the brakes. When you use engine braking, the engine is doing some of the work of slowing the vehicle down, which reduces the wear and tear on the brakes.
* Improved control. Engine braking can help to improve control of the vehicle, especially on downhill grades. By using engine braking, you can prevent the vehicle from accelerating too quickly and maintain a steady speed.
When Not to Use Engine Braking
There are a few situations where you should not use engine braking. These include:
* When the engine is cold. When the engine is cold, the oil is not yet fully circulated and the engine is not operating at its optimal temperature. Using engine braking when the engine is cold can put additional strain on the engine and cause damage.
* When the transmission is slipping. If the transmission is slipping, it means that the clutches are not fully engaging and the transmission is not able to transfer power to the wheels. Using engine braking when the transmission is slipping can cause the transmission to overheat and fail.
* When the vehicle is on a slippery surface. When the vehicle is on a slippery surface, using engine braking can cause the wheels to lock up and the vehicle to go into a skid.
Conclusion
Engine braking is a very effective way to slow down a vehicle, especially on downhill grades. It can also be used to help maintain a steady speed on downhill grades. By using engine braking, you can improve fuel economy, reduce brake wear, and improve control of the vehicle. However, there are a few situations where you should not use engine braking. These include when the engine is cold, when the transmission is slipping, and when the vehicle is on a slippery surface.
