How do i effectively use engine braking?

[D_Train]

Exactly what the title says. I know HOW to engine brake, but how do I do it effectively?

[cre]

I'm not entirely sure what you're looking for here.

The only two times I ever do it is when I'm slowing and I expect to be accelerating again very shortly or when driving home from the mountains. Remember, brake pads are cheaper and easier to replace than a clutch... so don't over do it.

[D_Train]

Like, I know to use engine braking when coming to a stop and stuff, but do I just downshift and let the clutch out and just use the engine to slow down? Do I brake at the same time? Do i downshift from fifth to fourth, engine brake, go to third, engine brake, go to second, etc. etc.

[supramacist]

Every time you downshift and let off the clutch and let the engine slow you down. Your'e loading that engine and over time will cause unwanted wear and tear. I know this because I used this style of driving in my old nissan truck.

You should really only do it, like cre said if you are driving hard or going through mountains. The it' gets fun fun fun.

Don't use this method in daily driving. It shortens the power band over time as well.

[dcrusupra]

The only time I've ever used engine braking was when one of my brake lines blew and I lost pedal pressure. It is bad for the clutch and puts unnecessary load on the engine. Just flip it into neutral and hit the brakes. But if you want to do it properly, downshift and just let off the clutch like you would when you start moving.

[D_Train]

So the consensus is that it is better to just use your brakes? Prob. cheaper to replace than the other things that you would have to replace from engine braking.