Legality and functions of engine braking in a used vehicle
When you’re driving and need to come to a halt, there are two main types of stopping your car that can be used to your advantage – foot braking and engine braking. There are plenty of benefits to both types of operation, but the latter is what we want to focus on today. Join Carville’s Auto Mart as we dive into the legality and functions of engine braking in a used vehicle!
Operation and benefits of engine braking
Unlike the traditional manner of braking, in which you press on the brake pedal and allow your vehicle to reduce speeds, engine braking relies primarily on your motor to come to a stop. As you take your foot off the gas, the compression and friction of all the components of your motor cause your car to slow down. This is more common in stick shift models, as you’ll often see drivers downshift as they reduce speed as opposed to pressing on the brakes. Since engine braking entails a slower, more gradual and gentle stop, it can often lead to your drive becoming safer if done right!
Engine braking is especially beneficial when driving in more hazardous conditions, such as snow, ice or rain. Since a brake pad-on-metal situation can cause your vehicle to skid over a slippery road, many drivers will choose to take the engine brake route to avoid this type of situation from happening.
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Why is engine braking illegal in some states?
There are some locations in Colorado (Vail and Colorado Springs, to name a few) that have rendered it against the law to engine brake, especially for truck drivers. This is because using your motor to help your vehicle stop can be noisy, an effect that is amplified by some of the rigs that you’ve seen driving around in the past. For this reason, to fit in with local noise ordinances, multiple communities have outlawed the practice.
The hazards that come with engine braking also have to do with how you perceive the oncoming road. You might find yourself paying more attention to your gear shifter than what’s outside your windshield, which can drastically decrease your reaction time needed to spot and avoid obstacles. However, if you can avoid excessive use of the practice, engine braking can seriously benefit your drive!
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Test drive a manual car in Grand Junction CO
If you’re looking to get inside a used vehicle outfitted with a stick shift, be sure to contact our Carville’s Auto Mart sales team. We have plenty of the sort here on our lot, and you’re more than welcome to schedule a test drive today!