Can You Engine Brake in an Automatic Car?

Engine braking is a technique that uses the engine to slow down a vehicle by creating resistance against the wheels. This can be done by shifting into a lower gear, which increases the engine’s revolutions per minute (RPM) and creates more drag on the drivetrain. Engine braking can be useful for slowing down on hills, descents, or when approaching a stop sign or traffic light.

Can You Engine Brake in an Automatic Car?

The short answer is yes, you can engine brake in an automatic car. However, it is important to note that the process is different from engine braking in a manual car. In a manual car, you can simply shift into a lower gear and let the engine slow the car down. However, in an automatic car, you need to use the gearshift lever to manually select a lower gear.

Here are the steps on how to engine brake in an automatic car:

Slow down by applying the brakes.
Shift the gearshift lever into a lower gear (e.g., from D to 3 or 2).
The engine will start to slow the car down.
Once you have reached the desired speed, shift the gearshift lever back into D.

Benefits of Engine Braking in an Automatic Car

There are several benefits to engine braking in an automatic car, including:

Increased safety: Engine braking can help to slow down your car more quickly and effectively, which can be helpful in avoiding accidents.
Reduced wear and tear on the brakes: By using engine braking to slow down, you can reduce the amount of wear and tear on your brake pads and rotors.
Improved fuel economy: Engine braking can help to improve fuel economy by reducing the amount of fuel that is used to slow down the car.

Cautions When Engine Braking in an Automatic Car

While engine braking can be a useful technique, it is important to be aware of some cautions when using it in an automatic car:

Do not engine brake in neutral: Engine braking in neutral can damage the transmission.
Do not engine brake at high speeds: Engine braking at high speeds can cause the engine to over-rev and damage itself.
Do not engine brake on slippery surfaces: Engine braking on slippery surfaces can cause the car to lose traction and skid.

Conclusion

Engine braking is a useful technique that can be used to slow down an automatic car. However, it is important to use it correctly to avoid damaging the transmission or engine. By following the steps and cautions outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively use engine braking to improve your driving safety, reduce wear and tear on your brakes, and improve your fuel economy.