How to brake with the gears

Engine braking involves reducing the vehicle's speed by downshifting instead of (or in addition to) using traditional brakes. When shifting to a lower gear, the engine increases revolutions per minute (RPM) and creates resistance that helps slow down the car. This technique is particularly useful on long descents or in situations where additional control is needed.

What is Engine Braking

Engine braking is a driving technique that uses the vehicle's transmission to reduce its speed without fully relying on the brake system. This practice not only helps extend the life of the brakes but also offers greater control in certain driving situations.

Downshifting to Brake involves slowing down the vehicle by shifting to a lower gear instead of (or in addition to) using traditional brakes. When shifting to a lower gear, the engine increases the revolutions per minute (RPM) and creates resistance that helps reduce the car's speed. This technique is particularly useful on long descents or in situations where additional control is needed.

Advantages and Disadvantages of downshifting to brake

Advantages

• Less brake wear: By using the gearbox to brake, you reduce reliance on traditional brakes, which can extend their lifespan.
• Greater control: In situations such as steep descents, downshifting can offer greater vehicle control, preventing brake overheating.
• Fuel efficiency: In some cases, this technique can help improve fuel efficiency, especially on long downhill stretches.

Disadvantages

• Learning and practice: Downshifting to brake requires practice and a good understanding of how the gearbox works, which can be challenging for novice drivers.
• Potential clutch wear: If not done correctly, this technique can increase clutch wear, which could lead to costly repairs.
• Not always suitable: In emergency situations or sudden stops, traditional brakes are more effective and safer.

Steps to properly downshift to brake

Downshifting to brake may seem complicated at first, but with practice and patience, any driver can master this technique.

1. Anticipation: It’s essential to anticipate road conditions and traffic. Knowing when you’ll need to slow down allows you to prepare the gear shift in advance.
2. Gradual reduction: Instead of shifting directly from a high gear to a very low one, gradually reduce the gear. For example, if you're in fourth, shift to third before going down to second.
3. Rev matching: Make sure the engine RPM is appropriate for the gear you're shifting to. This may require briefly accelerating to match the RPM before releasing the clutch.
4. Clutch use: Press the clutch before changing gears and release it gently to avoid a sudden jerk in RPM.
5. Complement with the brake: Although the goal is to slow down with the gears, don't hesitate to use the traditional brake to supplement the braking, especially in emergency situations.

Common mistakes when downshifting to brake and how to avoid them

Common mistakes

• Sudden gear changes: Shifting from a high gear directly to a very low gear without gradual reduction can cause a strong jerk and wear on the clutch.
• Not matching RPM: Shifting gears without syncing the engine RPM with the new gear can result in harsh deceleration, which can damage the engine.
• Excessive clutch use: Keeping the clutch pressed for too long can cause premature wear.

How to avoid them

• Practice and patience: Take time to practice in low-traffic conditions or on quiet roads. This allows you to perfect the technique without the pressure of heavy traffic.
• Education and learning: Consider taking additional driving lessons that focus on advanced techniques like downshifting to brake.
• Regular maintenance: Keep your vehicle in good condition, ensuring that the gearbox and clutch are functioning properly.