Lorry brakes (exhaust/engine)

[lizziebell]

My horsebox is an Iveco. On the cab floor below the steering column is a raised "button", which when pressed makes a whoosh air noise.

Am I right in thinking this is the exhaust/ engine brake?

If so, how is it best used?

I understand the principle theory of how the exhaust brake works on slowing down a vehicle, and that its useful for use going down hills, but how do I actually use it?

Do I use it in conjunction with the normal brakes or on its own? Do I use the same low gears as I would when applying the normal brake. Are the Iveco cab floor exhaust brakes effective or not worth using?

 

[ROG]

Yes it is an exhaust brake - it uses a flap to block the exhaust emissions therefore causing the engine to slow as it cannot get rid of the emissions quick enough

Imagine blowing up a balloon then letting the air out naturally - then stretch the blow up hole where upon it makes that funny squealing sound (kids love that !) = that is similar to what is happening when the exhaust brake is applied

Used properly it can prevent using the main brakes

The higher the revs the more efficient the exhaust brake works

To use it simply put your right foot on it and force down

ADD - the brake lights do not come on when the exhaust brake is applied

 

[Red-1]

It is quite effective, but I would advise putting it on BEFORE the speed has built up. It only really has an "on" or "off", and if the box has been held back on the revs already, and the revs are high, it can quite jerk the horses if you suddenly apply it.

 

[lizziebell]

Thanks, really helpful. So do I use the exhaust brake "instead" of the normal brake or do you use them together?

 

[ROG]

Thanks, really helpful. So do I use the exhaust brake "instead" of the normal brake or do you use them together?

Most use do exhaust first then supliment with main brakes if needed

 

[lizziebell]

Most use do exhaust first then supliment with main brakes if needed

Great, thanks ROG - I'll give it a try next time I'm going down all the hills on the gloucestershire fosseway

 

[ROG]

Great, thanks ROG - I'll give it a try next time I'm going down all the hills on the gloucestershire fosseway

Use it for normal extra slow down instead of light main brakes