Using The Engine As A Brake - Blue Bird D3RE 2014 Driver's Handbook Manual

Using The Engine As A Brake

While going down a steep or long grade, it is a good practice to use the engine to
retard vehicle speed. Reduce speed before the grade and shift into a lower gear (with
either automatic or manual transmissions), being careful to select a gear which will
slow the vehicle without over speeding the engine. Under such conditions, use the
brakes sparingly, to prevent overheating. Overheating will cause the brakes to "fade";
that is, be less effective.
[WARNING] Do not take transmission out of gear when the bus is moving.
You may not be able to get the transmission back in gear, and the drastic slow-
ing of engine speed could reduce air pressure supply to the air brake system,
and result in a reduction of brake capacity.
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DRIVER'S HANDBOOK