Isuzu N Series 2008 Owner's Manual page 66

2-36
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
CAUTION
• Frequent use of the foot brakes can cause vapor lock and brake fade, resulting
in reduced brake effectiveness. Even so, you should be very careful when
using engine braking in a low gear because the engine is likely to over-rev.
• Do not adjust the exhaust brake valve.
NOTE
[What is engine brake?]
• Engine brake is the braking effect that occurs when you release the accelerator
pedal while driving. The lower the gear, the stronger the engine brake.
[What is the exhaust brake?]
• The exhaust brake is a system that closes the exhaust pipe and uses the force
of the exhaust emissions to enhance the effectiveness of engine brake.
[What is vapor lock?]
• If the brakes overheat due to frequent use, the heat can cause the brake fluid to
boil so that air bubbles are created in the brake fluid.
Pressing the brake pedal simply compresses the air bubbles; pressure is
not transmitted to the wheel cylinders, so the brakes' effectiveness sharply
deteriorates. This phenomenon is called vapor lock.
[What is brake fade?]
• Frequent use of the brakes can cause the brakes to overheat so that the
frictional force of the brake linings decreases and the brakes become less
effective than normal. This phenomenon is called brake fade.
[What is an engine overrun?]
• An engine overrun is an engine-speed increase that causes the tachometer
needle to enter the red zone.
2008N_sec02_print2.indd 36
Driving Down a Long Slope
When driving down a long slope, use
engine brake and the exhaust brake
together with the foot brakes. Using the
exhaust brake and low-gear engine brake
reduces the work load on the foot brakes
and yields greater braking force. Even so,
use the foot brakes appropriately to prevent
the engine over-revving.
Exhaust Brake Switch
→ Refer to page 4-69
15/09/2008 10:36:42 AM