Have you ever heard a loud, rumbling noise behind a semi-truck or other large vehicle on the highway? That’s Jake Braking in action. Also known as engine braking, it is a useful method for semi and freight truck drivers to slow down while minimizing wear and tear on their vehicle’s service brakes. But does Jake Braking have unintended consequences? Does engine braking damage the engine?
How does Jake Braking work?
semi on the road | Getty Images
Jake Brakes are fitted to diesel engines to reduce the strain on the service brakes when slowing down quickly. This is especially useful for large vehicles that can take longer to slow down than smaller cars or trucks.
Truck drivers can enable it by flipping the engine brake switch. According to Matheson, “As a big rig is working, the air is forced into the engine cylinders as it enters the intake valve. This causes the air to compress, which converts it into energy that can be distributed. Usually, the pistons take that energy and guide it to the rest of the vehicle to produce power. However, when a Jake Brake is activated, that air is pushed out the exhaust valves instead of being used to power the crankshaft and down-stroke.”
Does Jake Braking damage engines?
If done incorrectly, Jake Braking can cause severe damage to your engine. However, when used correctly, there should be no danger to your engine. The key is moderation; if drivers use it too much at once, they can overheat their engines—especially in stop-and-go traffic—causing permanent damage that will require expensive repairs. Improper usage of Jake Brakes can also cause vibration or other mechanical issues due to excessive wear and tear on parts like the valves or pistons.
Other disadvantages
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The other main disadvantage of using Jake Brakes is that it uses excess fuel during operation, making it less efficient and costing truckers money in wasted gas. And since Jake Brakes are so loud, they have been banned in many cities for fear of disturbing residents at night with their rumbling noise. Apex CDL Institute states that some towns will even fine truckers if they use their Jake Brakes within a specific limit outside town.
The bottom line
If you drive a car, then the answer is probably no. The Drive mentions that some modern trucks, like the Ford F-250, have engine brakes but are becoming less common.
In summary, both pros and cons are associated with using Jake Brakes when driving trucks or semis. While its primary benefit is reducing the stress placed on service brakes while slowing down quickly, it must be used cautiously. Misusing these brakes could lead to overheating or extensive maintenance. On top of this, engine braking may also use excess fuel and generate a lot of noise which may disturb nearby residents—so keep these disadvantages in mind before deciding when (and how often) you should apply your own Jake Brake.
Keyword: Does Jake Braking Damage Your Car’s Engine?