Engine braking question

[Distractotron]

• sorry, I know there's another car one today but it reminded me of something I wanted to ask!

A colleague told me that she uses engine braking instead of the brake pedal "so the driver behind doesn't panic and suddenly brake". Is this absolute bollocks (as me and DP think it is)? She's normally a very sensible person, who is more senior than me at work despite being quite a bit younger. Surely your brake lights are there to warn the person behind that you're braking? I can't think why she would believe this.

With regards to engine braking, I do try to look far ahead and not brake unless it is absolutely necessary. I just ease off the accelerator instead, and gear down if the car starts feeling unhappy.
I'm terrible for setting off in second gear though, I'm trying to get out of the habit because it stresses the clutch, and I only got a new one a few months ago (it was on its way out when I got the car).
I think the brake light panicking thing more applies on the motorway than regular roads.

You can drive a manual without the clutch but you need to know what you are doing and only use it for emergencies, such as your clutch failing.

Back in the day, when fewer people had AA/RAC type recovery cover, it was a neat little earner ... charge for recovery, but just drive the car to the workshop .

I have a racing licence (Nat B Competition) and engine braking is important. It's a steady braking, it works then engine rather than the gears and when done correctly, you are in the gear you need to be to accelerate away again.

However, most cars now have good enough brakes that overheating isn't the issue it used to be. Discs on even cheapy cars. However, on long hills, using the engine rather than riding the brakes is better for the vehicle.

@underkerstumbled - I think you need to ask your Uncle to explain it again. Also, as you said "gas", I assume you're American.

Can you drive 'stick'?

Keep the revs sensible. Engine only is okay if revs are also sensible for the gear. Brakes as required to keep the load on engine light. You shouldn't have to frequently brake or at least rarely have to brake hard, if watching the road conditions well.

I learnt to drive 35 yrs ago. Best to be kind to all parts of the car. Ideally minimum braking required b/c you're keeping an eye on the traffic & road markings ahead. Going down thru gears means you stay in gear & not in neutral for long.

I am about to embark on teaching my son to drive (sigh). About to discover his inner boy-race, I imagine.

@CurlyhairedAssassin what you describe isn't engine braking, it's using the gears to slow down which IS a bad idea. Engine braking simply means lifting your foot off the throttle. You only change gear to match the speed, not to force deceleration. I was taught this recently when learning to drive. It's a good, economical tool and shows you're anticipating and reading the road ahead.

Well what exactly is engine braking then? Because that’s exactly what I thought it was! Changing down the gears slows your speed without pressing the brakes. Engine braking, no?

If you just take your foot off the throttle,you just give the engine less gas. Everyone else on here is referring to use of the gears. So is everyone else wrong about “engine braking” too?

Sorry, that sounds mardy. It wasn’t mean to to.

Obviously you take your foot off the throttle to change down. You wouldn’t still keep it on to change down a gear.

My driving instructor had a rhyme:

"gears to go, brakes to slow"

You need to put your brakes on anyway to show that you are slowing down...slowing down without braking at all is a bit inconsiderate. For example, if you take your foot off the throttle and have plenty of time to slow down naturally, I was told you should still press your brake to indicate you are slowing.

Brake pads are cheaper than engines.

Brakes for me are for use when approaching traffic lights, junctions, parking and of course emergencies.

Otherwise there's no need. This is because I look ahead and ease off the gas so I am within each of the varying speed limits or hazards when I reach them.
Yes, dickhead behind can get confused but not my problem. I have to pay for petrol so try not to use too much of it.

I think you need to ask you uncle In my post I said - late uncle.
I assume you're American No, I'm not.