A proper language comparison...

[Andrei Alexandrescu]

On 7/26/13 3:52 PM, Walter Bright wrote:
> Although commonplace, it is poor practice to use the engine to slow the
> car down (unless you're dealing with brake fade from overheating).

I know next to nothing about cars so take this destruction with a grain 
of salt.

> 1. Brake pads are cheap compared with engine rebuilds.

My understanding is that engine brake does not destroy the engine. It 
does not involve friction. Indeed Wikipedia agrees: 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_braking and even mentions "Engine 
braking is a generally accepted practice and can help save wear on 
friction brakes".

> 2. Using the engine as a brake can cause unburned gas to wash the oil
> off of the cylinder walls, resulting in excessive wear.

[citation needed]

> 3. The engine is not designed to be a brake. Use the brakes. Brake pads
> are not precious :-)

Engine brake is a natural artifact of its design. I don't think you can 
build an argument around "wasn't design to do that, so don't". Engine 
braking is a widespread and common technique.

I use engine braking most of the time (I always drive manual so that's 
easy). Saves gas and I've never had a mechanic tell me "you better go 
easy with that engine brake, look at them cylinder walls!" My brake pads 
reach a state of immortality.


Andrei