Thanks Eric. My Dad taught us about this when we learned to drive. I always cringe when on a long downhill and the person in front of me is riding their brakes. I usually give them lots of room and don't pass. Thanks for the reminder.
KY here. I never thought Low was down-hill engine braking. I thought it was just for uphill giving more torque. I also apply all the other techniques you mention. Thanks!
Hi Eric, thanks for your videos, I always find some useful tips in them. Living in Switzerland and being surrounded by mountains, you learn quickly to use the engine breaks. I drove stick shift cars most of my life and you can just downshift as you need. For example, before a steep curve, instead of using the breaks to slow down, you just downshift. Now on an automatic car, I was curious about your technique as I'm driving one since now a year ago. Well, I quickly realize that going down a mountain on Drive was not an option. My car doesn't have that + and - thing like you have, it has D (Drive) 2 and 1. I've been using 2 when I go down the mountains, but it's not that easy to switch on and off like on your car, it's more like going from P to R or R to D, so I only use it on long stretches. This being said, I found another way: I use the cruise control. Then instead of accelerating when you go down, the car does its own downshifting and no need to use the breaks.
Thank you Tushita! This is a very useful comment for anyone who will read it! I find that this video is one of my more useful, and unfortunately it those not get that much views... People who have faced, or face everyday, mountainous terrain, knows the importance of knowing how to engine brake. I am really glade that you commented on this. Good tip about using the cruise control! You made my day Tushita! 😃✌️
Thank you so much ! that is brilliant ! - I have an older minivan (2009) and only Drive with 1 & 2 - I found it frustrating to not be able to downshift in higher gears while going down a mountain or long hill. I will be using the cruise control technique next time. It wont be as quick and easy but still a better option than riding the brakes.
You are a great teacher! My husband and I are learning so much from you! We are following your videos to build out our 2010 Sienna. I am 70 and my husband 79. I want to travel before I sit in a rocking chair LOL!
This is so helpful thank you! I knew about this feature but always frogot tp use it and way over use my breaks, they have been wearing out really quickly! I always love seeing what ever you put out on your channel
Hey Eric! I love your videos. Thanks for making them. I'm converting a 2009 sienna and am wonderig if you could do a video on how you did your floors? Thanks!
Excellent tips Eric. I was never taught engine breaking. I will have to check my manual and implement this. Your other tips, releasing the gas pedal early, leaving space etc I have always done. Thanks Nate
Hi from Türkiye (Turkey). I 'm using always a manual transmission because of that. I dont trust automatic transmission. The country i live in is quite rugged. In the same day, you can go from 0 meters to 2500 meters and go down to 0 meters again. I am used to using engine brakes both because i have a heavy vehicle driver license and i started driving with very old vehicles. Despite this, I was able to use my first brake pad for 10 years.
Thank you for sharing this video. It was very comprehensive. Not many drivers, mechanics, and especially car dealers/sales people/parts and service departments talk about this. You could add one thing which is to plan your errands and trip to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on one's vehicle. From western USA.
Eric, I have been watching your videos and enjoying the very practical advice and your methodical approach to explaining things. Much appreciated! As I set about preparing to travel myself, I have got a lot of ideas and good advice from you. Thanks for your videos and keep them coming. One day I hope to thank you in person! Greetings from Texas! See you down the road!
Thanks Eric. Greeting from Ohio USA. When I drove a manual transmission I used this all the time. It was on of the things I loved about a manual transmission. Wasn't aware of this option on an automatic transmission. Will read my manual. Thanks again.
Thanks Eric. I’ve always loved that I could do this with my manual cars, but I’m new to auto & didn’t really know I could it in my new (to me) van. It’s pretty flat here in Melbourne, Australia (👋), but I could’ve use this technique on my maiden voyage up north! Cheers friend : )
Effectively when we begin to use an automatic transmission, we often forget that very much useful possibility. I think that it is essential in mountainous terrain! Thank you for your comment 😃✌️
Hello Eric! I am from India. My city is tremendously populated with a population of around 3 crore (unofficially). Driving a four wheeler in the city is a 'daymare' (because most of the traffic is in the daytime). I have a two wheeler as I don’t have a four wheeler now but me and my wife are planning to get one (probably a second hand) soon to go for our long time dream of going out for camping. For that reason, I daily search for videos on camping and car modifications. But within last couple of days, I saw your video and after seeing the whole video I visited your channel and saw the playlists and immediately subscribed. Your videos are most practical and useful with tons of tips on real life examples. Thank you for these very useful videos. 🙂
This video reminded me to teach this technique to my kids. Used it a ton on the last ski trip but did not take the time to show my son who is learning to drive.
Eric, thank you so much for this video! It is exactly what I have been looking for. I never drive on serious hills and was looking for a tutorial on how to do so. Greetings from River Rouge, Michigan USA
It’s a pleasure Debbie! Effectively it is when you face real mountainous terrains that someone will regret not knowing that technic. Otherwise someone may not understand the need of it... For me, it is essential when you face mountainous terrains as shown in the video. Thank you for your comment✌️
Love your videos! It's so easy to lose memory of important information in the every day struggle. Only driving in the south, I've only just experienced driving mountainous terrains last year. So I was 100% ignorant to engine braking. 100% wishing I seen this video before my trip through Washington mountains at night, in winter! I'll keep watching, keep providing interesting, what people may consider common sense, and important videos!
Other than what was already mentioned in the video, if I see someone in front of me riding their brakes hard downhill, I usually just pull over in a safe spot for a few minutes and maybe grab a snack while waiting. Otherwise you’ll end up riding your brakes just as hard as they are, and it could be for half an hour or more. Plus you risk crashing into someone who brakes more and harder than you expect. Also, if you can see some flatter, less steep areas coming up and you can *safely* brake there, it’ll put less stress on the brakes
Hello Eric, we have a Toyota as well and our shifter looks a lot like yours, but I've never used this feature as we are in flat Florida. Appreciate your attention to details like showing how it works for you while driving and the diagrams from the auto manual. I'll have to dig mine out and read it. Very important and timely information as many are now traveling over mountains to Quartzite or other southern regions for the Winter. Thank You, and stay safe out there!
Learning to drive on steep mountain roads in Virginia and West Virginia I learned that lesson early on. Just a couple months ago saw someone burning their brakes up on the long downhill run towards the New River on I-64 in West Va. Smoke was rolling out of their brakes. Wish I could have yelled at them to downshift as soon as I started to smell their brakes.
Hello from Florida. I always downshifted with my manual transmission but it did not occur to me to use that in my newer van with automatic transmission. Many thanks! (I even pulled out my owner's manual to review). 👍🏼
Suzanne, this is exactly the purpose of this video. Florida is probably the most flat state, just a few feet over the ocean! But it is going to be quite useful traveling up north and west! ✌️
I burnt out my brakes once in just a few seconds. I was going down a steep mountain road and braked hard for a black bear and her Cubs crossing the road. My brakes were smoking badly and after that the brakes would slide on normal stops. It’s multiple times harder to brake going downhill and even worse on top of that while carrying a lot of weight
Thank you for sharing your experience. Once you have gone through the experience of heating brakes, you really appreciate knowing engine breaking on mountainous country! 👍😃
It is simply logical as you said! I find that this video is a must video for anyone who plan to travels in mountainous terrains. Unfortunately there is not that much views for that video... And that concept is very much important!!! I really appreciate your comment! Thank you! 😃✌️
très intéressant, je ne connaissais pas cette technique. Lors d'un voyage dans l'ouest américain, en faisant toutes les routes panoramiques, j'ai dû changer mes freins. Je retiens l'info. Merci de Gatineau
Very useful information. I'm often afraid of going on low in a downhill by causing transmission damage. Will have to read the manual. Merci Eric. Laval, Québec.
Great tips. I appreciate this sort of video and also your other build tip videos a lot. I have only heard of one person using engine braking before, who is my car enthusiast friend. I will absolutely get my owner's manual and learn to engine brake in my van :) California, US
Puisque je roule principalement en ville sur terrain plat, j'ai fini par oublier le principe du frein-moteur avec les années. Merci pour ce rappel et les informations complémentaires! Je vais partager cette vidéo sur mon mur Facebook, car même si mes ami.e.s Facebook ne font pas tous du vanlife, les explications dans la vidéo ci-dessus sont pratiques pour tout le monde! - Rive-Sud de Montréal (Québec)
Thanks you for tip I am from Lafayette Indiana but travel in Smokey's mountains Tennessee and Thru west Virginia mountain of USA often and steep grades and long drops every mountain I take . Good idea of engine breaking and thought was for big trucks only
Salut Éric…. Comme j’ai mentionné auparavant, j’ai l’intention de faire un ‘coast to coast’ semblable à celui dans tes vidéos. Ce vidéo est pertinent parce que je ne savais pas que le trajet est aussi montagneux. De plus, je savais pas le technique de freinage que tu explique. Donc, un autre vidéo de grand valeur. Toujours hâte à tes prochaines vidéos. (Ma conversion est pas loin d’être compléter). Merçi beaucoup Éric!
I had forgotten engine breaking. Maybe because I have been living in Delaware, US for seven years, where it's very flat. I love being near the ocean but I really do miss hills!
What a great video... I was really hoping to see some advice in these comments about brands of rotors and pads though... My current situation, trying to figure out what brand and ect to upgrade my brakes too... I want high performance ones and high temp fluid...
Thank you Tracy! If you do not use the original parts, be sure that the rotor and pads are designed to work together. Using «long lasting» parts means less wear out of them, less wear out means more friction, more friction means more heating... ✌️
Merci pour tous ces détails ! Je pratique également la conduite préventive par anticipation afin d'éviter le freinage brusque et les départs "en fou". Au Québec, les routes sont souvent horizontales sans besoin pour le frein moteur. En ville, ce n'est pas vraiment la solution non plus. Important aussi de respecter les limitations dans certains secteurs habités (panneaux demandant de NE PAS utiliser le frein moteur) car le bruit est une nuisance pour les résidents à proximité de cette route pentue... J'utilise exclusivement le frein moteur à faible vitesse loin des habitations sur une courte distance et dans une pente très raide car le bruit du moteur m'incommode. Autrement, je lâche la pédale d'accélérateur en avance autant que possible sur l'autoroute et les routes secondaires. J'actionne ma pédale de freins juste pour annoncer à ceux qui me suivent que je ralentirai... et je laisse ralentir sans freiner aussi longtemps que possible en actionnant les freins légèrement et de façon intermittente. C'est efficace avec une petite voiture légère même en descente ! Je n'ai pas les statistiques de changements de freins... rarement en fait même quand je vivais dans les Alpes Suisses. Là, ce sont les pneus qui usaient rapidement (plusieurs courbes) et le frein moteur était vraiment utile et il y a peu de véhicules d'automatiques - c'est plutôt récent de voir des automatiques en Europe. Depuis que j'ai ma Sienna (1er été) , je ne suis pas allée dans les longues côtes - je penserai à ton conseil le moment venu - MERCI !
Très belle technique de freinage! Effectivement en Europe les gens sont beaucoup plus habitués à l’usage de la transmission. Merci pour ce beau partage. C’est très apprécié 👍
Hi Eric, Really like your videos. Would you do a video about reliability of your car and if you've had it serviced more often. Also we wondered what you do when you need the toilet? Thanks Eric Jayne n Gary in UK
Hello Jayne n Gary! My van is very reliable. In fact I never had anything else than regular maintenance to do, oil change, filters, brakes and tires! I just love it! I will definitely do a video about the toilet issue👍 Thank you for your appreciation 😃✌️
Hello from Bay area CA. I love all your videos. Thank you so much. This one is a great reminder. I downshift often when go down hills but was often concerned about transmission or engine. What do you think?
Since the manufacturer had build it, and explain how to use it, it is a nice feature to use! So useful in mountainous terrains! Thank you Josh for your appreciation 😃✌️
Hey Eric this is a great video and will definietly be something I incoporate into my driving from here on out! Thanks. Also a quick question, what is the wattage of your solar panel and does it power your fridge 24/7 or do you only plug in your fridge a few hours a day?? Thanks! A video on either how your solar system works or how you installed your flooring would be super helpful!
I am glade that you appreciate Zeke. My fridge, and all my electrical features, are powered on solar energy only. I will do a video series to explain it all!👍 For the flooring, it is the subject of my next video...Thank you for your appreciation 😃✌️
It’s a question of not overheating brakes and losing brakes at the wrong place… As said it is for steep grade roads. This transmission feature was not made not to be used…
Hello from sunny FL! Great tips, also have Sienna. With RPM, if this is increasing in engine downshift mode, does that mean you need to downshift lower? Or resume normal drive? I'll be visiting VT and NY, and remember as a kid the brakes burning on the downslope. A mechanic friend also recommended always using the manual parking brake when you turn off the car, this can help save brakes too.
Hello Rebecca! When the engine increase in RPM, it is because you are engine braking. If you downshift more, you will be engine braking more. If you do this, the RPM will increase even more. You must not exceed the maximum RPM. You should watch again the video to understand this better.👍 You resume to drive when you have done engine braking. Again watching the video another time will help you understand it.👍 Manual parking brake are useful, but only to keep the vehicle in place when parked. Which is a must in a mountainous terrains. I love Florida. Since it’s a flat state, you do not use engine braking on day to day basis, but in VT and NY it can be really useful. Enjoy you trip and thank you for your appreciation ✌️
Sorry, but I couldn't help hearing that you can "over-eat" the brakes... :-D Yes, engine-braking is the best solution for going downhill. Even with the higher RPM count, the engine will not be overstressed and be cooled better as the water pump is working faster to push the cooling water around. But you can also use the brakes, just tap them for a short moment and not constantly. That will not overheat your brakes as they will be cooled right after releasing the brakes again. Just make sure there is no one driving close behind you when you do want to brake a bit abruptly....
@@RobotacularRoBob ... LOL ... my thoughts exactly! I chuckled 😂. But, like you, I love the accent and admire those who learn English so well as Eric. BTW, Eric, I’m in a part of Australia where there are few mountains and hills. Nevertheless we do have a steep, winding descent into the city area and using the lower gear is a good reminder.
Eric what year van would you recommend? And what would you consider to be to many miles for the age of this mini van? Looking to buy used but finding everything priced at a premium price.
Hello Fred! There’s so many van models... What you should be looking for is a well maintained van! This is prevailing above anything else! No accident, with maintenance records, no sign of abuse, etc. A well maintained van will be in a greater shape than a poor maintained one with less miles. If mainly the van was used in a city, even with less miles, it should be less good than one used mostly on highways... Knowing the story of the van is quite useful! With this in consideration, finding one with less miles possible is a jewel! ✌️
Hello Eric, I’ve noticed that you don’t list products that you use or where to find or buy them. Especially, once you have used various products and have time tested them and you could then provide your viewer a consumers report , as well as, where to find them? Thanks, Bob 😎🇵🇷🤙🏽
Hello Bob! I do not sell any products. That’s why there’s no links to anything. What I do is explain how to DIY, tips, informations and that kind of knowledge to help you in your van build and van life. ✌️
Salut Éric! J’écoute tes vidéos depuis plusieurs mois déjà et elles m’aident beaucoup dans mon projet de conversion de van. J’ai déjà une van convertie mais je veux améliorer le setup et tes vidéos sont vraiment aidantes. Je voulais savoir si c’était possible de voir comment tu as installé ton plancher dans ta van. Est-ce que tu utilise les points d’attaches en metals des sièges ou tu fais simplement le déposer au fond de la van? Merci!
Salut Jean-Baptiste! Merci pour ton appréciation. Je suis bien content de t’être utile! Pour le plancher, ça va être le sujet de ma prochaine vidéo.... ✌️
engine break is good, but you used more gasoline with it. But safety is more important , driving in slow lane is more safety and save gas. If the weather is warm, I turn on AC to max load on engine break, but I learn how to replace the front break if I have to do the repair. break parts is cheaper than the engine or transmission.
As you said safety goes first. For the part prices, I still use my radio even if it may break some day. I do the same for the locks on my doors. I do not hesitate to use my van even if it is getting more mileage on all parts. One sure thing I know is that all this was designed and built to be used. I have been driving automatic and manual transmission for almost 40 years, and never had to change an engine or a transmission. So I do not hesitate to use engine braking when I have a long or steep hill to go down. Brakes work well in all around situation, but with steep grade I do like all trucks do! I engine brake!✌️
@@ericenjoysearth2756 Is this the same owner's manual supplied by the very ones selling the car? I'm sure they can be trusted... it's not like they're in the business of selling new vehicles. Brakes are cheap, engines and transmissions, not so much. Reduce speed, 'stab braking.'
@@ericenjoysearth2756 "There’s no risk, it is made for this." No, a transmission isn't designed to do this for a prolong period. I'm sure for a couple minutes won't hurt it but I can guarantee you your trans fluid is going to heat up the longer you do it. Hopefully you've got a nice big trans fluid cooling radiator. As for a manual transmission, down shifting wears on the clutch anytime. Period. If you know what you're doing changing a set of brake pads takes 30 minutes per tire. Learn how to do it.
I am talking about the owner’s manual of the manufacturer who designed the whole vehicle, which is Toyota in my case. They will not add features not to be used. Yes you have to use the owner’s manual of the vehicle.👍 As long as you respect the instructions of the manufacturer, you’ll do great. 👍 Fluides will heat up if rpm specifications are not respected. Plus, going down hill is never for a day long.😉 ✌️
This option on your transmission is made for that. The idea is to use that technic on steep grade to avoid overheating your brakes, which is a security issue! ✌️
