How to use engine break?
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How to use engine break?
Hi there, I've heard alot about using the manual mode of the gearbox to use engine break to slow the car, I just want a little bit more info (I've never driven a manual before).
When I approach a light at around 40mph, I flick the gear shift to the left, it would down shift, but the rev would go up and it wouldn't really slow the car down that much, I would down shift again and the rev ould go WAY up, I done find it that much better than just coasting. Is there a better way to do this? thanks
When I approach a light at around 40mph, I flick the gear shift to the left, it would down shift, but the rev would go up and it wouldn't really slow the car down that much, I would down shift again and the rev ould go WAY up, I done find it that much better than just coasting. Is there a better way to do this? thanks
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 152
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From: Chesapeake, Virginia
'11 C300
Like pointman just said - use the brake. Replacing pads and rotors are MUCH cheaper than repairing/replacing a transmission or possibly doing harm to the engine downshifting constantly just to slow down. I doubt Mercedes had continuous use for downshifting in mind when they designed the "touchmatic" (or is it tiptronic?) transmission.
Last edited by OttoBon100; Jan 18, 2007 at 10:00 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 689
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From: So Cal
07 GL450, 91 NSX, 12 Prius
You should do engine braking for emergency only or to prevent the car from going faster going down a long grade.
Not recommend to do that to slow down your car on a regular basis. Too much stress to the trans and protential over revving your motor.
IT is true with that brake pads are cheap. Drive train is not.
Not recommend to do that to slow down your car on a regular basis. Too much stress to the trans and protential over revving your motor.
IT is true with that brake pads are cheap. Drive train is not.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 62
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From: UK
2002 ML270
You should do engine braking for emergency only or to prevent the car from going faster going down a long grade.
Not recommend to do that to slow down your car on a regular basis. Too much stress to the trans and protential over revving your motor.
IT is true with that brake pads are cheap. Drive train is not.
Not recommend to do that to slow down your car on a regular basis. Too much stress to the trans and protential over revving your motor.
IT is true with that brake pads are cheap. Drive train is not.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
I think my 2006 Subaru's tranny CPU is much smarter than the ML CPU...
a bit off topic, but the other day, I decided to rev up my 06 Subaru Tribeca all the way up, while in park...guess what, the CPU cut me off at just 4400 rpm...it seems the CPU has 2 different cut off points for when reved up in Park/Neutral (4400 rpm), or when reved up while engaged in any of the gears (6400 rpm).
I think, that is smart...don't think the ML does this...
Another smart feature I noticed about the Subaru tranny CPU, is when you shift from D to manual, it automatically selects the right gear for you...
don't think the ML does that either..
instead the ML will only shift you to 4 and then have you decide what gear you would want to be in.
How did the Japanese get so smarter than the germans?
Of course, I am comparing two somewhat apart model years...2000 ML Vs. 2006 Subaru..but you think, the germans are way ahead in their thinking...
There are plenty of features in the 2000 ML that are still ahead of the 2006 models...but its outdated on this front, I guess...
I think, that is smart...don't think the ML does this...
Another smart feature I noticed about the Subaru tranny CPU, is when you shift from D to manual, it automatically selects the right gear for you...
don't think the ML does that either..
instead the ML will only shift you to 4 and then have you decide what gear you would want to be in.
How did the Japanese get so smarter than the germans?
Of course, I am comparing two somewhat apart model years...2000 ML Vs. 2006 Subaru..but you think, the germans are way ahead in their thinking...
There are plenty of features in the 2000 ML that are still ahead of the 2006 models...but its outdated on this front, I guess...
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thanks for all the replies.
I really only intend to use engine break when doing down long steep hills, but I wanted to try it on level ground and see what happens, since there isn't a D2 or D1 gear directly selectable like other cars.
I really only intend to use engine break when doing down long steep hills, but I wanted to try it on level ground and see what happens, since there isn't a D2 or D1 gear directly selectable like other cars.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 14,212
Likes: 9
From: Boston, MA
00 MB ML55, 91 Toyota Supra Turbo(sold), 06 E500(gone), 03 BMW M3
a bit off topic, but the other day, I decided to rev up my 06 Subaru Tribeca all the way up, while in park...guess what, the CPU cut me off at just 4400 rpm...it seems the CPU has 2 different cut off points for when reved up in Park/Neutral (4400 rpm), or when reved up while engaged in any of the gears (6400 rpm).
I think, that is smart...don't think the ML does this...
Another smart feature I noticed about the Subaru tranny CPU, is when you shift from D to manual, it automatically selects the right gear for you...
don't think the ML does that either..
instead the ML will only shift you to 4 and then have you decide what gear you would want to be in.
How did the Japanese get so smarter than the germans?
Of course, I am comparing two somewhat apart model years...2000 ML Vs. 2006 Subaru..but you think, the germans are way ahead in their thinking...
There are plenty of features in the 2000 ML that are still ahead of the 2006 models...but its outdated on this front, I guess...
I think, that is smart...don't think the ML does this...
Another smart feature I noticed about the Subaru tranny CPU, is when you shift from D to manual, it automatically selects the right gear for you...
don't think the ML does that either..
instead the ML will only shift you to 4 and then have you decide what gear you would want to be in.
How did the Japanese get so smarter than the germans?
Of course, I am comparing two somewhat apart model years...2000 ML Vs. 2006 Subaru..but you think, the germans are way ahead in their thinking...
There are plenty of features in the 2000 ML that are still ahead of the 2006 models...but its outdated on this front, I guess...
My 06 E class will shift in to the correct gear when I put it in manual mode... and also does the same thing with the revving in neutral, park, gear at a stop, but when rolling I can free rev it in neutral
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 152
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From: Chesapeake, Virginia
'11 C300
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 118
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English may be your second language so just so you know the difference: "Brake" is the proper term for the equipment you use to slow or stop the car when you push down on the "brake" pedal. You can use a dictionary to look up the definition of the other term you are using improperly - "break". Hope this is helpful
I meant to say "engine brake".
FYI, engine BRAKE refers to the process of limiting your speed by your engine rev, or if you want to get technical, putting a negative force on your transmission and engine. If you look at any owners manual or driving handbook, they should explain this procedure. It's commonly used a long time ago by truckers when going down long hills to reduce excessive heating of the actual brakes of the car. It's also used in off-road situations when doing down steep hills in order to maintain traction.
For everyone else,
After further research, I've confirmed that engine brake in modern gas engines is useless and not recommended. So I hope it didn't do too much damage to my car, LOL. It is in fact prohibited in some areas. So spread the word.
Last edited by kevine310; Jan 20, 2007 at 11:56 AM.
