Very real concern, at least in older and heavier cars. Hot brakes don’t work well, engine braking is harmless and makes it much easier to control pace.
The best way I can describe is going down a big hill with just brakes feels like you’re on a slippery steel slide, trying to use your hands to stop. Engine braking feels like you’re on an escalator, where if you just stay where you are, you’ll get to the bottom at a consistent speed.
My driving instructor was adamant that I always use the break pedal and never relied on engine braking. I am still an inexperienced driver.
Is this a real concern or was the breaks of that car expired or something?
Downhill you shouldn’t just use the brakes as they overheat quickly
Very real concern, at least in older and heavier cars. Hot brakes don’t work well, engine braking is harmless and makes it much easier to control pace.
The best way I can describe is going down a big hill with just brakes feels like you’re on a slippery steel slide, trying to use your hands to stop. Engine braking feels like you’re on an escalator, where if you just stay where you are, you’ll get to the bottom at a consistent speed.
Engine breaking is much cheaper on gas though