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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When you are driving around, have a gear in and let go of the accelerator pedal, the car will still continue moving because of its inertia. The engine, however, isn’t delivering power to the wheels to speed up or maintain speed anymore. Instead, it’s being dragged by the turning wheels and the inertia of the car, effectively causing a braking force, unless you’re using a classic torque converter automatic. Making deliberate use of this force to slow down the vehicle or to manage speed down a descent is making use of the engine brake. Typically, at higher rpm the effect is greater, which is why using the engine brake could be noisy.
On heavier vehicles, there are a number of different systems in use to aid this effect or to amplify it. The jake brake on diesel engines uses the air inside the cylinders and the timing of the valves to obtain more braking force. This also comes with its own noise.
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