Why is engine braking safer than normal braking on slippery roads?
In: Engineering
Modern braking systems provide ABS, as well as additional stability/Vector controls to ensure you are safely slowing down. For these reasons, prioritize your regular brakes for almost every situation… except long downhill grades or if your brakes start failing.
Engine braking bypasses normal braking design, and forces the wheels to push through the additional engine resistance provided.
Additionally, being in a lower gear means the provided power when applied will likely cause a loss of traction compared to using a higher gear that would provide less wheel power and gradually change its speed.
[Wiki: Engine Braking ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_braking#Applications)
>Improper engine braking technique can cause the wheels to skid (also called shift-locking), especially on slippery surfaces, as a result of too much deceleration. As in a skid caused by overbraking, the vehicle will not regain traction until the wheels are allowed to turn more quickly. If the driver reduces engine braking by shifting back up, or disengaging the clutch on a manual transmission, traction can be regained.
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