How to Stop Engine Brakes

Engine braking is the natural deceleration effect that occurs when you release the accelerator or close the throttle while a vehicle is still in gear and moving. It's caused by the engine's internal resistance (compression, friction, pumping losses) slowing the drivetrain. To stop this effect, you need to disconnect the engine from the wheels or reduce the engine's resistance.

Here are the primary ways to stop engine braking:

## Key Methods to Disengage Engine Braking

*   **Open the Throttle:** By opening the throttle, you reduce the significant vacuum created when the throttle is closed and the engine is still turning rapidly. This vacuum and the work required for the engine to pull air against a closed throttle plate contribute significantly to engine braking. The reference notes that using your throttle effectively controls deceleration. Smoothly opening the throttle is the opposite action to closing it (which causes engine braking) and reduces or eliminates the braking effect.
*   **Disengage the Clutch:** Pressing the clutch pedal in a car or pulling the clutch lever on a motorcycle immediately disconnects the engine from the transmission and wheels. This eliminates the engine's resistance as a force slowing the vehicle.
*   **Shift to Neutral:** Moving the gear selector into the neutral position achieves the same result as disengaging the clutch – it mechanically separates the engine from the drivetrain. This allows the vehicle to coast freely without the engine's braking effect.

Utilizing these methods effectively allows you to transition from engine braking to coasting or using only your service brakes for deceleration, providing greater control over your vehicle's speed. As highlighted by the reference, even in sensitive gears like first, smooth interaction with the throttle is crucial for controlling deceleration, indicating that throttle position directly influences the degree of engine braking.