I tried to Google engine brakes after seeing all the avoid use of engine brake signs and now I’m more confused. Can someone explain what engine brakes are, what Jake brakes are (if they are different), and why they are loud. Thanks.
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They are the same, just like Kleenex is facial tissue: Jake Brakes is a brand name that is usually associated with it but legally if you say “No Jake Brakes” and some joker comes by with something that does the same job and has the same flaws but isn’t made by the same company, well, it’s not a Jake so you can’t stop him. If you say No Engine Brakes that covers both the original and the imitators.
Now, what is it. On large trucks that have large diesel engines, you can slow down by the same kind of disc and drum hydraulic brakes your regular car uses, just scaled up- but those wear out over time or worse, can overheat and fail.
Or you can make your engine do its job backwards, forcing the cylinders to compress air then vent it out, dumping energy in the process. Of course, this does not go through the muffler system and thus makes a loud, distinctive rattling [sound](https://youtu.be/jgl9Y351rok?si=ADp3097vHw7AdU01)
So Jake Brakes are popular with drivers because they save brake pads, and unpopular with others because of the noise.
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