What do engine braking, service braking, and parking braking mean

Engine braking uses the engine to brake the car, while service braking and parking braking are commonly known as the foot brake and handbrake among car enthusiasts.

The differences between engine braking, service braking, and parking braking:

1. Different working principles. Engine braking utilizes the compression resistance, intake and exhaust resistance, and internal friction generated by the engine's compression stroke to brake the drive wheels. Service braking converts the mechanical force of the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure, which is then transmitted to the brake to achieve the braking effect. Parking braking, on the other hand, brakes by connecting a steel cable to the brake shoes.
2. Different usage scenarios. Engine braking is generally used in special environments, such as icy, muddy roads or when going down long slopes. Service braking is used under normal driving conditions, while parking braking is used when parking to prevent the car from sliding.
3. Different positions where the braking force is applied. The braking force of engine braking usually acts on the drive wheels, the braking force of service braking acts on all four tires of the car, and the braking force of parking braking acts on the rear wheels of the car.

When used together in environments such as long downhill slopes, engine braking and service braking can effectively reduce the braking frequency of the service brake friction pads, avoiding prolonged operation of the brake, overheating of the friction pads, and a decrease in braking force. Additionally, when using the parking brake, do not pull it too tightly—generally, pulling it to about 70-80% of its capacity is sufficient, and always remember to release the handbrake before driving.