What Every Truck Driver Should Know About Engine Braking (AKA the Jake Brake!)

What Every Trucker Should Know About Engine Braking (AKA the Jake Brake!)
Every truck driver should know how to best utilize their truck's engine brake. In this video, we talk about what the jake brake is, how it works and most importantly, best use of the Jake Brake.
The Jake Brake is one of the most underused safety tools of the professional truck driver. Many new truckers as well as some of the more experienced drivers, don’t know the potential of this tool and how to use it to get the best results.
There are 3 positions to the Jake Brake settings:
Position 1 - Lowest braking power
Position 2 - Moderate braking power
Position 3 - Strongest braking power
The Jake Brake can be used in adverse weather and road conditions, but with adjustments, caution and common sense.
Never use the Jake on ice. No truck driver should be operating on an icy road.
In slippery conditions, it can be utilized with caution, depending on the weight in the trailer, terrain etc.
A Lower Position can be adequate to add to ‘braking’ power.
It can be an invaluable tool, if used correctly, and if the Jacob’s Brake is set up correctly (not just a lot of noise, but actually functioning correctly).
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[@yerPickle]

The sound of the Jake brake is comforting, reassuring me that I won't smoke the pads and over speed.

[@sembhisukhdeep]

True man 👍

[@Iris_Collins]

Agreed.

[@jerrykinnin7941]

Amen.

[@Alex462047]

To me, the sound of the Jake brake is the sound of 50 tonnes holding speed going downhill without me touching the brakes. It is a very welcome sound in that way.

[@PissBoys]

Sign: No Engine Brake Use In Town Billy Bobtail: haha jake go brrr

[@halkael2317]

I alway figure that my jake is way quieter than the screaming family in a crushing car. Haha... kinda different if empty or bobtail tho “Runaway lanes are for those who use their brakes”

[@AntiFakeJewsRev2-9-0Zach9-6]

Only Cat/Cummins are that annoying

[@Robert-pv6cn]

I always laugh: No using your safety devices while in town.

[@Godsl7ragon]

I grew up on a somewhat steep hill that trucks often traveled. I used to love hearing the Jake when though I didn't know what the sound was at the time. I Also used to crank my arm to get them to use the air horns. Those positive experiences led me to be a truck driver and now I'm 5 years into my career and working at a company that treats me well.

[@SmartTrucking]

Very cool!

[@damiana6881]

Time to get ur truck

[@WillCarter1976]

I've tried multiple times to explain to drivers that the "jacobs engine retarder" doesn't actually induce differential friction force between the tire and the road surface as actual service brakes do. "Jake brakes", instead slow down engine rpm and slow down the drive shaft. It basically creates drag on the engine. It works because it counteracts momentum and the natural inertia of the truck in motion tending to want to keep rolling. The reason service brakes are problematic on slippery roads is that they cause differential speed between the tire and the road surface. This leads to slippage and loss of traction because you've induced differential speed between the tire and the road surface that exceeds the ability of the tire to grip. I use mine in all weather, and have never had a problem. It saves tire wear and service brake wear. I change tires every 350k miles and brakes on average of 600-700k miles, usually just to leave no "interpretation" if I get pulled for inspection. I can't imagine how dangerous trucking was for drivers before they had all these amazing tools. You really have to respect the old timers and their experience with older equipment. My job today is far easier and more comfortable than in their time and I'm very thankful for that fact every day on the road. The trucks of today are basically working RVs compared to the rubber block suspension bench seat trucks and COEs of the 50's through early 90's.

[@theronash7269]

Jakes save on every component.

[@randomlyentertaining8287]

I'd say the easiest way to explain it is that Jake Brakes works by not letting the truck pick up speed in the first place by limiting engine RPM whereas normal brakes work by forcibly slowing your tires down.

[@sandasturner9529]

Much appreciated

[@matthewcross8076]

Starting When i was 8 it was my job to flip the jake on and off for my grandfather while we were coming down steep winding grades. Looking back it was Usually because we were dodging scales haha. But even when i was 8 years old 20 years ago i knew the value and importance of the jake break

[@SmartTrucking]

One of the greatest inventions in trucking!

[@batsinthehead1]

As a newer driver I love the Jake breaks, they really do make things safer and helped me a lot when I was learning.

[@salstonightsbiggestloser]

I laughed out loud when he said Cajon Pass, I've had 2 trucks break down there 1 going up, and 1 going down from Hesperia. Oh the joys of trucking! Stay safe everyone, enjoy the ride!

[@SmartTrucking]

Good stuff, thank you for watching!

[@Whowhatwherewhy]

Between the Jake brake and dropping gears, I didn’t need use my brakes all that much. Great video, Dave. Thanks

[@kellypatterson8506]

Yup, good gear selection and jakes can handle pretty much any load hill combo.

[@nitemareman1]

Jakes use more fuel tho.

[@michaellee5399]

@@nitemareman1 jakes dont use fuel your right foot does

[@kellypatterson8506]

@@michaellee5399 lol... thats funny.

[@jkearney5001]

I use mine 90% of the time. Even when pulling an empty flat and especially on wet roads. It helps to avoid locking the trailer tires when there's no weight on them.

[@theronash7269]

Far safer and no wear. When I have had to touch my brakes in the rain I have had nasty surprises, a wet brake drum grabs different and it can veer unexpectedly..

[@AK47HEAVYMETAL83]

I’ve driven for 8 years now and have used jakes from the moment I started driving 😂😂😂 I use mine 90% of the time lol I absolutely hate it when I get into a truck and the Jake doesn’t work for Jack! It’s an absolute must for me. Good video!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching! The jake is a must have for me as well.

[@kenriley2471]

In the 90's when I was a snot nosed kid the truck I was running did not have Jake brakes. I was going across Meachum one morning and I stopped and picked up an old timer who had tagged a deer and cracked his radiator. I pulled off into the brake check area to check my brakes before going down Cabbage. The look on his face was priceless when he found out I did not have Jakes. In the few minutes it took to check my brakes that old timer had got on my CB and had another trucker stopping to take him down the hill. It's a good life.

[@SmartTrucking]

That's funny!

[@frankjdm4636]

I would probably get out too and find someone with jakes 😂

[@starmaster191]

i currently live about 20 to 30 miles west of meacham, cabbage and deadman passs small world!

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

There's a trucker who lives just outside of town and he snatches that Jake Brake when he passes my house. The speed limit drops from 50 to 35 and he refuses to just coast down to speed. It used to irritate me because it would wake up my sons. But now they're grown up I don't care. It's like "brrrrrapapapaapapap oh...there's Roy. He's home early this week."

[@EMDSD40T2]

I use it all the time, especially when I'm going through Portland 😁

[@cheesynoodle8775]

Off topic comment. I dont know about all you old timers and such, but I unironicly enjoy listening to "east bound and down" while running loads

[@jimanon634]

They're thirsty in Atlanta, and there's beer in Texarcana....lol

[@SmartTrucking]

It's a great trucking tune, one of the best!

[@brad202684]

I work for a big LTL carrier and I run between Sacramento and Reno every day. Even though we mostly have newer automatic Freightliner Cascadia tractors, the engine brakes work really well on them. I can do the whole run over the hill, and barely have to touch the brakes with the transmission locked in 9th or 10th gear going down the hills especially coming westbound off Blue Canyon and down the 3-mile coming into Colfax

[@patriotastronomer6780]

I drove otr for just over two years where I learned about using the Jake Brake on many mountain passes. I made the change to being a local driver and went into the concrete business driving mixer trucks. I have been fortunate enough to get trucks that did have a Jake on them, and that was very reassuring, not to mention safer. I have talked to people that say that having a Jake on mixers is a waste, and I beg to differ. I think that it really depends on the region you are operating in. I am currently driving a truck without one (as many newer trucks do not have them, being deemed as non-essential, and an extra expense). The only way to alleviate problems is to drive much slower on approaching grades. I hate to admit it, there have been times that I had to really get into the brakes, and the smell is not pleasant and kind of embarrassing when you get to the job site (not to mention the wear and tear on your equipment). You are taught to have a sense of urgency having a perishable/live load, you just have to use really good judgment on when to be urgent and safe at the same time. It is also really good to have excellent directions, and have good knowledge of the route. I find it interesting how companies push safety, safety, safety, then hold back on the tools that would make you a more safe driver.

[@mr.butterworth4216]

I think it’s less about safety, safety, safety, and more about money, money, money, with as little liability as possible.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yeah, too cheap to practice what they preach. They should be embarrassed.

[@truckinforjesus]

If memory serves me right, the older mixers, such as mid-seventies on down, weren't ever equipped with anything other than service (and parking) brakes. There was a PTO type system that turned the drum instead of hydraulic used on newer equipment. Point is, manufacturer's weren't comfortable with the weight of a full drum having a direct connection to the motor on top of the normal braking demands of the GVW. Don't take this as gospel, it's been 25 years since I've been around mud trucks and I probably remember some information incorrectly. Ask around to see if this sounds familiar. I may need a refresher course haha!

[@markofexcellence5209]

I saw a sign in Du Quoin, Illinois. It said something like "please do not engine brake unless required for emergencies." I respect that a whole of a lot more.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup, nothing wrong with that!

[@jimmytrussel488]

i see that a lot in small rural towns in wisconsin

[@josevaldez918]

If you have an emergency the jake brake is the last thing you are going to use the jake has no emergency use

[@jerrykinnin7941]

I see the sign allot that says. "Use of unmuffled Exhaust brakes illegal." That makes sense.

[@bryanbrandenburg2043]

idk about any other, but my truck school straight ignored the Jake. I taught myself at my first job

[@jerrykinnin7941]

My trainer said of the Jake Brake. Just roll your window down stick your head out and go "Burrrrrrrrrrrr" youll slow down just as fast. Hint. That does not work. Ha.

[@aaronsanborn4291]

@@jerrykinnin7941 your trainer has zero clue

[@aaronsanborn4291]

Bryan I learned as a kid, I'm 2nd gen but didn't get my CDL until I was in my late 30s after the Army. My instructors were fans of the Jake and taught us when to use them.

[@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606]

I love how a crucial safety device gets banned because it’s loud, like Jake brakes and train horns, locomotives use something similar it’s a dynamic brake and it draws power from the traction motors and transfers it into excess heat that gets vented, doesn’t sound nearly as cool, just kinda sounds like a jet engine

[@asherdie]

Ironic that firearm silencers are taxed because they muffle.

[@bradleyselk9642]

The best time to use your jakes is in a truck stop parking lot at 2:00 am. Edit:I'm being sarcastic if you can't tell.

[@swaghauler8334]

Tell that to CR England! Between the Jake and the damned Refer, they make sure EVERYBODY knows they are there.

[@kelkel3201]

and then start a regen next to the guy sleeping!

[@SmartTrucking]

Made me laugh right out loud Bradley!

[@AntiFakeJewsRev2-9-0Zach9-6]

Some idiots have done it for real unfortunately 🙄

[@TheTruelakersfan]

Lmao

[@jamesdow1795]

Just so you 'SUPER TRUCKERS' know, some of us company drivers operate 2020 models that activate the brake lights when the Jake is being used. You can stop whining on the CB about us burning up our service brakes. we are actually aware of the stupidity of the function and apologize for it.

[@allanj4576]

I always get a chuckle when some dumb dumb comes on the radio to natter at another driver for this, these systems have been out for years and they still aren't aware of it.

[@katjerouac]

It's not stupid. Keeps the guy behind you from rear-ending you if he can't tell you're slowing down

[@jcoolman4854]

Wonderful. Lesson learned. I've always believed once the vehicle is straight you won't have problem with the Jake.

[@trollsymctroll5361]

I’ve been driving an automatic for 7 years. I decided it was time for a change and knew a test drive on a manual was inevitable for new employment. Thanks for the great refresher videos for the confidence I was looking for and I got the job.

[@jimcharles9844]

Hello Dave, I really enjoy all your videos! They are very informative. I'm a wannabe trucker. But only haul sugar beets in the fall and love every minute of it. I've been in the building trades for 34 years and love everything about heavy trucks and driving. Thank you for the content!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching Jim!

[@iamlightborne5137]

I was getting ready to say in not one video none of you guys show you actually pressing the engine brakes and what they look like to a new person like myself that's never used one. So thank you for being the smart guy you are and checking all your bases and providing us that information which is very useful and you used them all three back to back and made me feel comfortable in doing the same, so thank you very much.

[@americanrambler4972]

I am a huge fan of the “jake brake”! They work great for speed control and management. In all kinds of weather. Sometimes you adjust how and when you use them for traffic and road conditions, but overall they make for a better, safer operating and driving environment. I am also a fan for using them in combination with cruise control. With the modern computer controlled engines, you set your desired decent speed and let the computers adjust the settings as needed to hold speed. On the last trucks I drove, the cruise control could activate and deactivate individual cylinders. So instead of a 3 position setting jake, the cruise could choose between 6 settings. With the newer automatics, it could upshifts and down shift as needed for additional braking power adjustment to stay in the desired speed range. I enjoyed that capability and used it often. But remember, you still have to actively monitor the system, because if it shuts down or goes haywire, you speed can increase surprisingly fast. Don’t do Tesla driver autopilot stupid and become one of those drivers who didn’t pay attention and then wound up hurt or dead.

[@enginesandoutdoors3238]

I use to live in a small town where the main road was on roughly an 18%-20% grade and at the bottom there was a decently busy railroad crossing. There is a no engine braking sign but I don’t think any of us ever judged a trucker for doing his best not to slam into the side of a train. I remember my brother and I climbing out the window and sitting on the porch roof watching the trucks go by. We would try and get them to blast the horn or listen to the jakes thunder down the hill.

[@KangX92]

@@erikmeyer5207 some backroads have very steep grades , the biggest I’ve seen is 12% in Pennsylvania and I’ve only been otr for a year.

[@swaghauler8334]

@@KangX92 In the "PA Wilds" aka The Allegheny National Forest or over by the Pocono's? I've been down BootJack Summit in the ANF many times.

[@enginesandoutdoors3238]

@@erikmeyer5207 there’s a road sign that says 18% I’m not kidding

[@Dodge0359A]

From my CDL instructor... "The jake is a tool, not a toy."

[@SmartTrucking]

Good quote! He's right!

[@dchawk81]

My impact wrench is a tool but I still love playing with it.

[@CSEmoRanger]

I ride a freight shaker, that jake brake has been my friend my first day behind the wheel. Hell even my adaptive cruise control which uses the jake brake on its own was like my second trainer when I went solo for the first time.

[@raymondcastilleja151]

I do food service and drive a 2019 freightliner but these videos still feel very comforting and provide some great info. Keep up the good work

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks, will do Raymond!

[@jeepguy220]

2017 freightliner cascadia single axle Detroit auto 12, Jake brake has alouded my rear brake shoes to still be legal with 524,000 on them. the Jake saved one of our drivers from being in a pileup on a snowy interstate. big riggers think it's a toy, it's good u made this content to show them what's it's really for! I use stage 1 in town to aid my stopping in cases where drivers turn I front of me or stop fast for oh crap there's where I want to go.

[@JasonVladimir]

Great show as always! Thanks for sharing!

[@bobcorrielus4160]

Thank you sir I’ve learned a lot from you over the years. You’re truly a great man 👨 I appreciate your patience and kindness to show us a bit of what you know. Thank you 🙏 thank you 🙏

[@greglamb4356]

Thank you for doing a segment on jakes, I've been seeing more and more drivers not using them especially in the mountains and smoking their brakes

[@brandonedge1276]

Kind sir, I enjoy what you contribute to trucking culture and education. Keep on trucking, sir. Thank you.

[@robinrowe1846]

This man is on point with his info. I am from Jamaica with very steep hills

[@jacob2483]

Great video! I love the Jake brake sound.

[@stephaniel.webster9090]

Once again I learned something from you even though I have been out here for awhile. LOL. I do always appreciate your historical perspective info!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching Stephanie!

[@katmanclancy]

Thank you, brilliantly explained.

[@chainesaw]

ONE of the best videos you have made THANK'S

[@mikekuhn214]

3 stage Jake brake. I use position 3 when I have a heavy load. Position 2 when hauling an MT trlr. And position 1 when Bobtailing

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

The first tractor that I bought (and still own), a Cummins powered 1995 Freightliner FLD12064, doesn't have Jakes. It never bothered me because dad an grandpa taught me how to run grades LONG before Jakes became common so, I never had a problem. Every tractor I've bought since then has had Jakes though. Like you, I normally run all 3 heads and only turn them off completely is on ice. With all that said, how about a video on why it's important to have and know how to use a power divider a.k.a. differential lock. Even in the summer months, I see MANY drivers "stuck" in short, steep loading docks because after unloading, their rear drive axle is off the ground. I can't believe how many of them don't know they have one, let alone how/when to use it! These days, my tractors all have full lockers so when I flip that switch, all 8 have power.

[@HaulingBonez]

Always learn something, glad I found your channel

[@SmartTrucking]

Welcome aboard!

[@RohanmkShaw]

Yes u really do great video I'm a truck driver in Jamaica on I love watching videos im driving for about twenty years on I still learn a thing r two from them

[@roadroostertransport9339]

Thank you for the video. As a new trucker this was very educational and informative.

[@SmartTrucking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@iheartcryptoverse2857]

Best information video I have seen this whole month. Thanks

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@nancybenson1951]

Loved this explanation. Be safe.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Nancy, you too!

[@justinsmith2918]

Live the videos, just recently started watching your channel, I am starting at training academy next month so I have been trying to learn as much as I can before hand, great job, thanks

[@SmartTrucking]

Welcome aboard!

[@iamlightborne5137]

Thanks for the explanation. I'm grateful.

[@hardwork2666]

Thank you for your knowledge, I'm new to trucking and I listen to the experience wise man!!! I plan to stay alive and keep people and families safe!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Right on!

[@adonaisflame4077]

I truly appreciate your videos. You teach me so much.

[@cbradiomizfit7562]

Everything this guy is saying is 100% true. I agree with his views on using the jake even during winter conditions

[@cedricgates9976]

started driving in 67 never heard of a jake drew pulp and logs in the mountains of the adirondacks in ny with gas jobs untill the eighties traded my pulp truck on a dumper with a 671 and a jake ill tell you that was an eye opener!! would never drive anything without one now great invention!

[@benjaminvillasenor9064]

Thank you sir for all your videos. I read many dumb comments here, zero appreciation.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Benjamin!

[@cuocsongtaixeaustralia1332]

Jake brake !!!! Love that sound!!!

[@michealbeamon6139]

Excellent video on jakes! Been driving since 93 first 4 n cab over didn’t know what a jake was until 97 just knew those Pete’s on I 81 hanging those curves without hitting brakes were pros and when I grow up I’m going to be a pro too. 😂

[@elikivatuloka1016]

The best truck expert...so educating

[@sharrelson3344]

Yes sir the knowledge is unreal.

[@towman7882]

Thanks for the info. I drive a C-Class Rotator Wrecker and always wounder about the positions for the jake. Keep on Truckin and be SAFE out there. Nashville, Tennessee

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks, you too!

[@maddawg6446]

Hey thanks great video talking about those super truckers I seen a guy used stage 3 in the fuel island line unbelievable 🤠👍🏼

[@observation2384]

Great Information on all of your videos

[@jerrodlopes186]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@landonkeller1821]

Love your vids. " her cuuter shakes when she hears them jakes" lol.

[@timbober1]

Informative as always, never heard of the brake saver.

[@Theater1TV]

Great video i was looking for tips on engine breaking before my cdl exam.

[@preachwins1500]

Love your videos. Thank you very much.

[@TheIcyWizard705]

I very much enjoy using my jake brake, or exhaust brake (details details) but man one thing that makes me wish I had an older truck is just how quiet these new ones are. I get that a lot of people don't like how loud they are especially through towns but I just want something more than a dull hum from it even when at a higher RPM and in high engine braking. I hear those older trucks with the louder ones and I do love it

[@alexshortsplus]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@SmartTrucking]

My pleasure!

[@iamlightborne5137]

Just for showing yourself actually pressing the buttons and what they look like to a newbie and letting us listen to it I am a subscriber now, you're welcome and thank you.

[@xqiuvmah]

I liked the Jake brake because, in combination with cruse control, I never really need to touch the pedals going down the highway. If I'm coming up in a slower vehicle and can't pass, I just cancel the cruse and let the Jake quickly slow me down until I can match their speed. At which point I re-engage the cruse and never need to touch the gas or the brake. If I need to accelerate, the +1mph button on the cruse works great. I think my record is 500+miles off never needing to touch the pedals. Don't get me wrong, I'm always ready to brake in an emergency, but it's nice to not have to constantly touch the pedals for small speed changes. The safety plus is great and the slippery conditions are something to watch for, but I never really drive in anything worse then rain. I mostly drive down south and only encounter snow or ice when I'm up in the mountains. The worst snow i dive in was around Denver. 4 inches of freezing slush, but I wasn't required to put in chains

[@devonrempel5574]

I drive a logging truck in BC my grandpa started me off on his old freightliner classic with a c15 and the jake really only made noise, now I’m in a 2021 ISX15 and I rarely touch the brake pedal I love it

[@lisacrawford7059]

I wished he could teach me how to drive trucks love his youtube videos great wisdom on trucking.

[@SalimSafae18s]

Thank you so much for your info, really helpful

[@stevenkietzke5582]

I'm a starting out driving, enjoy your tips and explanation of the industry

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching Steven!

[@mikeglenn9800]

Great video, thanks.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Mike!

[@MrKMENACE82]

Thank you for the knowledge and wisdom.

[@adriandennis3283]

Love the sound of the engine brake

[@dougackerman4182]

Love your channel

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@gamingingalaxy4011]

I can’t even imagine driving without a jake break. Its a must have feature in any truck in my opinion.

[@jamesmoon7312]

I'm a new truck owner I wish would come here and help me learn all this stuff I need to know. But your videos help alot

[@SmartTrucking]

Glad to hear it!

[@renedominguez7621]

Dave I was in salt lake on the i80 today your right about the j brakes how I’m I supposed to get control on wet roads at a 6% using just the foot pedal there’s no way unless you want to fry your brakes awesome video as always

[@BPilgere]

Learned something new today!

[@pennywise1003]

Going thru Pennsylvania today trying to not use the jake brake in heavy rain today like my mentor said stabbing the brakes to keep the 20k lbs on my trailer going on these 5-7% grades in heavy rain was not working I would slow down but the rain was causing the trailer to slide sideways I had truck fly by I could hear there jakes on finally I gave up and turned them on level one and it made a big difference never slipped and held those hills perfect I was slowing down before a hill down to 50-55 mph just so I could coast down and brake before a corner and try and bring it down from 63-55 mph but the three second rule on stab braking was not slowing me down enough with wet brakes. Thankfully I gave up that method and went with the jake brake it worked like a charm I could even tap the throttle to keep it off and let it do it’s thing towards the start of each corner. The rig was holding the lane fine. When applying the brakes I found myself sliding a bit but the jakes didn’t slide. I will use them in rain on straights before a corner now

[@simuljustusetpeccator5547]

Great video !

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@joeyalbergo]

I appreciate this video. Thank you.

[@SmartTrucking]

You are so welcome!

[@finetuner53402]

I think this is one of your best teaching videos ever. It is one of the best tools in the toolbox. Before them I can remember having to stop to let my brakes cool. And say oh shit that was close. Drivers these days don't know how go they have it with a jake, power steering, auto adjust brakes and front axle brakes.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Steve!

[@O1dmanwalker]

My Jake saved my life on a icy downhill road in pa it was the only thing to slow me down

[@markpoore3260]

Great video I pull oversize-overweight I always have my jake in high

[@cliffp.8396]

Excellent driving advice

[@SmartTrucking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SmartTrucking]

Good Day to you Big Strapper. Thanks for taking the time to watch today's video. What's YOUR take on the JAKE? Are you an avid user? Or does using the Jake make you nervous? Love hearing from you!

[@yerPickle]

What RPM is considered too high for the Jake?

[@tylerpuckett9414]

Cool vide dave! I use my jake when i can but mine only has 2 positions. Low and high. Whats your opinion on guys using the jake to slow down instead of their service brakes say when coming to a stop on an exit? I myself used to do it with the automatic transmission truck i had but cannot do it with this manual truck. I don't know if it really even does all that much to save wear on your pads.

[@sblackwell1657]

Great video demonstration of the jake brake at work going downhill ! I used to think also that you could not use them in slippery weather. Thanks for the info Dave !

[@cmv8722]

I got told by a trainer early on that it could be fatal to turn the jakes on in slippery road conditions. He told me that a fellow trainer lost his life by using jakes on the snow and getting ejected from the cab after the tractor trailer lost traction. He used to tell trainees that, “It’s ok to use the jakes lightly on snow.” The most I do is turn the jakes on when there’s a very light sprinkling rain: The kind where you can barely tell the road is damp. Anything more than that and I leave them off.

[@Sixinthefield]

@@tylerpuckett9414 It definitely saves wear on the brake pads, because when the jake is slowing you down, you're generally not using the brakes, hence less wear on them. I even use jakes to slow down on flat ground, just to save wear and tear on the brakes. I shut them off when shifting up to accelerate, though.

[@mistereighty8677]

Very informative video.

[@clutchitup8565]

Your truck sounds amazing

[@sd.1110]

Started driving in the mid 60"s Northern Calif. logging... then did LA / Seattle. Drove many different trucks, Like you said, some jakes worked good, others did not. Then I drove a Cat, 3406 with a "Retarder" , even a 4308 once with a low bed!! The best engine brake available!! Could drop off the Grapevine, weighing over 80,000 an never touch the brake peddle!! Later years, as soon as I got on the freeway, engine warmed up, Jake bake turned on, left it on, never turned it off tell parked at the end of the day!! Was a bit surprised when forced to drive an automatic, Hated the automatic, tell I had to run LA, coming back north, set the truck speed at 30 mph, 80.000 an never had to touch the brakes!! Piece of mind!! Safety over signs!! Always!!!! Newer trucks, don't make that wonderful sound anymore!!! lol....

[@SmartTrucking]

Good letter or comment or whatever the correct term is. Appreciate it SD!

[@craigwillford5069]

Last year I had to haul 4 Taylor lifts from Nashville to Reno.... 4 round trips, 42 pages of permits per trip. Grabbing the correct gear ⚙️ and a good jake setting...

[@raymondward1009]

Company I run for now rarely has any loads over 20K so position 1 is all I need. If I get a load thats heavy say 30K+ I might use the higher Jake settings and add some service-brake when necessary, knowing your rout and setting yourself up before you get there can be a good thing to! Kinda like the tankers will slow before getting to the point where they need to then once clear power out of the curve. I believe that the "No engine break" thing is mainly for tractors with strait-pipes, you can hear them coming a mile away! My Cookie-cutter Cascadia fleet tractor has a muffler and when someone with strait-pipes comes past me with there Jake roaring I can feel the vibration from them not just the 100X louder noise. Pretty sure that engine only has 1 head and 3 valve-covers there bro! And the Jake actually lets the expanding gasses push back against the pistons when there on that compression-stroke witch robs the engine of power and sorta makes it want to run backwards. The opposing force from those gasses slows the entire drive-train down.

[@footalee2]

Thanks for this info ... a very good invention for trucks

[@SoCal780]

Great video, Dave, thank you. I wish I had a dollar for every time I went down (and up!) the Cajon Pass, not to mention Donner and the Grapevine as well. You just made me even more proud to have a Cummins! Mine is a 565 horse ISX. The Jake has 6 positions and like you, I leave it at the highest setting most of the time. I can usually descend most grades in 6th low at this setting. I may have to tap the brakes a few times (depending on weight) but not that often. Great tips sir. 👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks! I didn't know those engines had 6 position brakes! How do you like that engine?

[@SoCal780]

@@SmartTrucking I love it! I had a 530 horse ISX before this one and replaced it with this 565 ISX back in 2012. It now has 1.4 million miles on it. I had the head replaced last month so now it has all new valves and injector cups, etc. Cylinders all look new. Runs great as always. I use AMSOIL synthetic with an OPS-1 bypass oil filter which really keeps the oil clean. I change it every 50 k miles.

[@truckinpoppop6777]

Man that thing purrs!!! Awesome!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

She's a good old truck!

[@MrErikw26]

I love me the sound of a good Jake brake!