On 7/26/13 3:52 PM, Walter Bright wrote:
Although commonplace, it is poor practice to use the engine to slow the car down (unless you're dealing with brake fade from overheating).
I know next to nothing about cars so take this destruction with a grain of salt.
1. Brake pads are cheap compared with engine rebuilds.
My understanding is that engine brake does not destroy the engine. It does not involve friction. Indeed Wikipedia agrees: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_braking and even mentions "Engine braking is a generally accepted practice and can help save wear on friction brakes".
2. Using the engine as a brake can cause unburned gas to wash the oil off of the cylinder walls, resulting in excessive wear.
[citation needed]
3. The engine is not designed to be a brake. Use the brakes. Brake pads are not precious :-)
Engine brake is a natural artifact of its design. I don't think you can build an argument around "wasn't design to do that, so don't". Engine braking is a widespread and common technique.
I use engine braking most of the time (I always drive manual so that's easy). Saves gas and I've never had a mechanic tell me "you better go easy with that engine brake, look at them cylinder walls!" My brake pads reach a state of immortality.
Andrei
