Engine Braking? Yes or No?

[fatmcgav]

Hi All

I thought I'd throw the question out there, not necessarily DS3 specific, but is a good general driving practise one...

Engine braking? Yes or No?

I do engine brake quite a lot on my current Ford Focus 1.8 TDCi, but I usually let the engine warm up first...
Any pro's/con's to engine braking, or any big reasons why you should/shouldn't do it?

Cheers
Gavin

[Dangerousfish]

Always, it's a habit I've carried on from riding the bike. Not best practice but I enjoy the noise of the engine too much

[CliveP]

I was taught to engine break by my Mum a long time ago, and I do all the time! I'd rather use the engine to slow the car.

Further, where I'm from originally (High Wycombe) there's a couple of mile long hills and I'd rather the engine do the work so when you use the brakes at the bottom they are not hot. I'm sure modern brakes are fine for using but why wear them out. I'd never need to worry about wearing the engine out as hardly red lining it to slow it down, and would never keep one car long enough to worry!

Regards,
Clive.

[chiefnerd]

I'm with Clive on this one...as long as you don;t throw it down 2 gears and red line it

[fatmcgav]

Cool, glad I'm not alone then

Yeh, I tend to drop through the gears one at a time, peaking at 3.5k revs a drop typically... Does make a noticeable difference to stopping times aswell I feel

[chiefnerd]

no idea

[ivorex]

I voted yes, I was told long ago that brakes were for stopping, not for slowing down.

[jazd71]

Some say its not good practice but it definitely has its uses, I say yes.

[Arlow]

Also carried it over from my motorbike days.

[Yellow]

It's all according to when you were taught to drive. I was taught to change down way back in the 80's when learning in an Escort Mk2. However, as a current driving instructor, I have never taught engine braking. It's all down to better braking systems on modern cars and teaching to be at the correct speed for the manouvre. You can always tell a student who has had some help from mom and dad as they spend too much time trying to change down instead of assesing the situation and tsking the appropriate action. Apparently more economical too. If assesing your drive correctly then engine braking shouldn't be needed.

[Heaton]

. If assesing your drive correctly then engine braking shouldn't be needed.

Have to disagree. I assess and judge my slow down time approaching a junction from distance if I see it coming and use the engine to slow the car down on the way saving fuel as i'm not applying the breaks as much until i'm coming up to the junction and use the breaks to come to a stop. I understand a learner shouldn't be concerned with that whilst learning though

[Yellow]

It's not about assesing your distance from the junction. It's assesing what's happening AT the junction. It's a waste of engine braking if when approaching the junction /roundabout the way forward is clear. In which case you have slowed down using the brakes and if needed, drop it down to proceed. if it's not clear then just stop and engage first, ready to go. No hassle, less chance of missing a gear or choosing the wrong one. Simple, safe, well thought out driving. Try it and see. I was sceptical at first.

[Den]

I drive to the system, never used to but since my advanced driving course it just makes sense.

To quote: the system of car control is a way of approaching and negotiating hazards that is methodical, safe and leaves nothing to chance. It involves careful observation, early anticipation and planning and a systematic use of controls to maintain your vehicle’s stability in all situations.

So no i dont really use engine braking

[Yellow]

I drive to the system, never used to but since my advanced driving course it just makes sense.

Nice one :0)

[Den]

The police always teach the system, they taught it on my standard course and it just never 'clicked' for me, however on my advanced course it all fell into place and i could see why it was used, so i stick with it even in my own car.