Engine braking?

jcp

Active Member
Dec 18, 2008
216
0
Herts
I suspect there is less between us than may appear. Of course the skill in achieving a smooth efficient drive is anticipation and of course that involves lifting off when the need to slow down becomes apparent.
The extreme polarisation of views stems from the parodying of the opposing one, so "engine brakers" all grind down through the box like people trying to get an overladen 50's Foden down the hill to Dover docks and the Brake primarily boys all rush up to tailbacks of traffic at 70mph and then come to a rest wreathed in tyre smoke and with their passengers and cargo stuck to the windscreen.
The reality is that a sensible driver in a modern car should back off, apply brakes in a measured and progressive way, if necessary, and make sure the car is in an appropriate gear for the anticipated next stage of driving. If you use the gearbox instead of the brakes or the brakes without using the gears to ensure the car is in a gear appropriate to the current and next phase.
In real life I bet jedimaster could not get about if you removed the fluid for his brakes and nor could I if my gearbox would not change. But at least I know what both are for!
 

Bedlam

Active Member
Feb 26, 2009
868
236
North Yorkshire
This issue has got to be up there with the topics of Middle Lane "hogging" and No Left indication on exiting roundabouts,
maybe attributable to driving instruction standards nowadays and our "don't care" culture - I blame Tony Blair (for most things)
I am also a serious contender for oldest Leon Pilot/Navigator
 
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Jedimaster65

Searching for a clear lap
Aug 13, 2007
786
0
Cheshire
JCP
I am chuckling as I agree with you, our driving emphasis may only be 10-15% different from each other's style...though I did recently drive 8 miles home without touching the brakes on a road where most people wear out the disks quite a lot , I do pride myself on it, mainly becaise it results in a smoother drive...my mates say I come from the Jenson Button / Alain Prost / Jackie Stewart school of driving (not just saying this as Jenson doing well at present, - am a long-time fan of his) the downside is my mates also say that I make going quickly seem sooooo bloody boring ! Lol ! :rolleyes:

But yes, there is a balance to be had, isn't there ?

If you are in front of me, just don't be too fast on the draw (I mean brakes, Lol)

And if I am in front, please don't pull me over to complain that my brake lights have packed up !
:lol:
 

jcp

Active Member
Dec 18, 2008
216
0
Herts
JCP
I am chuckling as I agree with you, our driving emphasis may only be 10-15% different from each other's style...though I did recently drive 8 miles home without touching the brakes on a road where most people wear out the disks quite a lot , I do pride myself on it, mainly becaise it results in a smoother drive...my mates say I come from the Jenson Button / Alain Prost / Jackie Stewart school of driving (not just saying this as Jenson doing well at present, - am a long-time fan of his) the downside is my mates also say that I make going quickly seem sooooo bloody boring ! Lol ! :rolleyes:

But yes, there is a balance to be had, isn't there ?

If you are in front of me, just don't be too fast on the draw (I mean brakes, Lol)

And if I am in front, please don't pull me over to complain that my brake lights have packed up !
:lol:
Good on you!
I did 8 months commuting between St Albans and centralish london with my daughter-then9- and we used to play a game of trying to do it without stopping even for a moment.
Achievable but LOTS of anticipation.
John
 
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jcp

Active Member
Dec 18, 2008
216
0
Herts
We moved before the frustration and boredom of commuting got to either of us that badly- I am however eligible for Saga as I'm 56- is it good?
I'm assuming you know-touche:whistle::bleh:.
 

Husbandofstinky

Out from the Wilderness
Nov 8, 2007
1,515
12
Temperate Regions
georgemetbajo.jpg


Looks like 'its turned out nice again'
 

Bedlam

Active Member
Feb 26, 2009
868
236
North Yorkshire
Bedlam...how old are you then ?

Do you get SAGA reduced cost insurance ?


:lol:

A touch older than jcp, I have silver hair too from about 18 years worth of 64 mile roundtrip commute daily into central London :smoke:
I could go Saga but went Post Office instead
 
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Chuy

Guest
I do use engine braking, just because I find it Fun :)

In Mexico in certain highways with downhills you can find a lot of signs saying: "USE ENGINE BRAKING" :lol:
 
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