When should you use engine braking?

Using engine braking is particularly beneficial when going downhill to reduce brake usage. This technique involves shifting into a lower gear, which allows the engine to help control the speed of the vehicle. By engaging engine braking, you take advantage of the engine’s resistance to slow down the vehicle, which helps to prevent overheating and excessive wear on the brake system. This is especially important on long descents where continuous braking can lead to brake fade, significantly reducing their effectiveness.

In other scenarios, such as when driving up steep hills, the focus tends to be more on maintaining power rather than slowing down. Similarly, while approaching stops in residential areas may involve slowing down, relying on normal brake application is usually sufficient. On high-speed highways, engine braking is generally less necessary since the vehicle is traveling at higher speeds and typically using the braking system to manage speed and maintain distance from other vehicles. Therefore, using engine braking downhill is the correct and most effective application of this technique.