How to Stop Using Engine Braking

Engine braking is the technique of slowing down a car by switching to a lower gear, and is used by drivers of tractor-trailers and cars with manual transmissions. There are times when it's necessary to use the engine for braking, but for most drivers in most situations, it's not only unnecessary but harder on your car than using the brakes. It's still a good technique to know. Read on to learn how to stop engine braking.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Begin by taking your foot off the accelerator. Coast in gear until the engine is about to stall. If you need to slow down faster, apply the brake until the engine is about to stall.
2. Push in the clutch and apply the brake. Do this until you come to a complete stop or are traveling at the speed you want.
3. Move the gearshift through the gears from the higher to lower as you decelerate, but don't take your foot off the clutch. If you find you must begin accelerating again unexpectedly (such as when the light turns green while you're decelerating), you can remove your foot from the clutch and be in the right gear for the speed you're traveling.
4. Shift into neutral after you come to a stop if you wish, so you can release the clutch. If you're concerned about the time it takes to shift into gear and begin moving again, you can stay in first gear and keep the clutch pushed in, but this will increase wear on the clutch and make your left leg tired.

Tips & Warnings

• It's true that you will add wear to your brakes and clutch by using the brakes to decelerate instead of the engine, but both brakes and clutches are easier and far less expensive to replace than a worn-out engine.
• Anti-coasting laws don't apply to passenger vehicles who are slowing or coming to a stop.
• In some situations, engine braking is not only better but necessary for your safety. For instance, when traveling down a long slope, using the brakes constantly can overheat them and cause them to quit working. Instead, switch to a lower gear and let the engine control your speed. Also, vehicles carrying large loads may have to use engine braking to stop safely, and some of these vehicles have special braking systems to do this.
• Engine braking doesn't turn on your tail lights, so the driver behind you may not realize that you're slowing down.
• Engine braking wastes gas.