Is it good to keep your exhaust brake on?
As a seasoned auto service provider, I often encounter questions about various vehicle features and their optimal usage. One common query is whether it's beneficial to keep your exhaust brake on while driving. In this article, we'll explore the purpose of exhaust brakes, their advantages, and when it's appropriate to use them.
Understanding Exhaust Brakes
An exhaust brake is a device used primarily in diesel engines to help slow down the vehicle by restricting the flow of exhaust gases. This action creates back pressure in the engine, which assists in deceleration without relying solely on the traditional braking system. This can be particularly useful for heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and buses, that require additional braking power when descending steep grades.
Benefits of Using an Exhaust Brake
Keeping your exhaust brake engaged can offer several advantages:
- Improved Control: An exhaust brake provides better control when driving downhill, reducing the risk of brake fade that can occur with conventional brakes.
- Extended Brake Life: By using the exhaust brake, you can reduce wear and tear on your brake pads and rotors, leading to longer-lasting braking components.
- Enhanced Safety: The additional braking power can help maintain a safe speed, especially in mountainous or hilly terrain.
- Fuel Efficiency: In some cases, using an exhaust brake can improve fuel efficiency by allowing the engine to operate more efficiently during deceleration.
When to Use an Exhaust Brake
While there are clear benefits to using an exhaust brake, it's essential to know when to engage it:
- Descending Steep Grades: Always use the exhaust brake when going downhill to maintain control and reduce brake wear.
- Heavy Loads: If you're towing or carrying a heavy load, the exhaust brake can help manage the additional weight effectively.
- In Wet Conditions: Be cautious when using the exhaust brake in wet conditions, as it can cause the wheels to lock up if not managed properly.
Conclusion
In summary, keeping your exhaust brake on can be beneficial in specific driving conditions, particularly when descending steep hills or managing heavy loads. It enhances control, extends brake life, and contributes to overall safety. However, it's crucial to use it judiciously and understand the conditions under which it is most effective. If you have further questions about your vehicle's braking system or need maintenance, feel free to reach out to us at Kevin's Autos!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using exhaust brake use more fuel?
When installed, some designs create an exhaust restriction even when not activated, negatively affecting both performance and fuel economy.
Can an exhaust brake damage an engine?
If the pressure in the exhaust system, which also bears against the backside of closed exhaust valves in a multi-cylinder engine, exceeds the valve springs' ability to hold the valves on their seats, the exhaust valves would be forced open and the pistons could strike the valves, causing severe engine damage.
What are the benefits of exhaust brakes?
The Benefits of Exhaust Brakes
It provides engine braking to assist with deceleration. It assists in keeping one's speed in control when going down steep grades and helps maintain the overall management of the vehicle and any trailers one might be towing. It reduces brake heat. It reduces brake wear.
Why is exhaust braking illegal?
Jake Brakes are illegal in some areas due to the loud noise they create when compressed air is released through the exhaust. This noise disrupts residential neighborhoods, leading many cities and towns to prohibit their use near interstates and residential zones.
Is it safe to drive with the exhaust brake on?
No, not really. The actuator moves the vanes. Both for brake function and boost functions. Same parts different position depending on function.
Can you damage your transmission?
Shifting too quickly from park to reverse to drive can affect your transmission over time. So can driving fast and accelerating/decelerating too quickly while driving. Smoother driving habits and more gradual shifting between gears will help protect your transmission system.
What's the point of an exhaust brake?
An exhaust brake is a system placed on large, diesel-powered vehicles that allows for slowing and stopping without using the vehicle's wheel-mounted brake system. Diesel exhaust brakes can assist the wheel-mounted braking system, therefore extending the useful life of components like brake pads, rotors and brake drums.
Should the exhaust brake be on or off?
No. You should leave your exhaust brake on automatic every time you drive. Not using the exhaust brake for extended periods of time will cause the VGT vanes to get carbon fouled and the VGT will cease to function.
Is an exhaust brake bad for transmission?
In the last few years, Grant has seen exhaust brake-equipped trucks go 100,000 miles on the original brake pads! So in summation, yes, exhaust brakes can hurt automatic transmissions if the line pressure remains at stock levels in the transmission.
Is it bad to leave engine brake on?
In short, continual use of engine braking will not excessively wear the braking system or the engine. However, it may increase the wear and tear of the clutch or gearbox if you aggressively engine brake. Regular car checks and maintenance is the key part of staying safe on the roads.
