I have always wondered what those loud noises are the semi-trucks make as they appear to be slowing down, but I don’t understand how that helps?
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An engine can be thought of as similar to a rubber band. The faster the engine goes, the farther the band is stretched, the harder it is to keep it that way.
Shifting is like using a lever with your rubber band. It keeps the engine turning at an easy pace but let’s the wheels turn faster.
When you are already going fast, down shifting forces the engine to work much harder. Since you also lift your foot off the gas, it’s like letting the rubber band relax slowly. The engine will slow itself down, and the lower gear will slow the truck.
The engine, transmission, etc of the vehicle are far larger than the brakes alone so using them to slow the truck causes less overall strain. The brakes also heat up very quickly. So when the truck must slow down for a long time engine braking can be essential.
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