If you have ever been beside a diesel truck that’s trying to slow down and heard a rather loud popping sound, you were likely hearing them perform a ‘jake brake’, also sometimes referred to as a Jacobs brake. This is a great way for truck drivers to slow down their trucks, especially on slopes and hills, but it’s illegal in some areas of the country.
So why is jake braking illegal in some areas? Jake braking is illegal in some areas due to the noise disturbance it produces; often resembling the sound of gunshots and in some areas could potentially cause environmental repercussions.
If you are not familiar with jake braking it may be hard to understand what the big deal is, and why they would make it illegal if it’s so beneficial for truck drivers. That’s why we’re going to explain everything you need to know about jake brakes, including what they are, what they do, and why you don’t want it legal around your home.
What is a jake brake?
A jake brake, also known as a Jacobs brake, is simply a compression release engine brake. It’s often found installed in a large number of diesel engines to help them slow down more smoothly and easier on slopes and hills.
How does a jake brake work?
When a truck driver activates the jake brake, the engine will immediately open the exhaust valves. These valves are located inside of the engine’s cylinders. After the compression stroke, the gas found inside of these cylinders will be released. This release of pent up gas in the cylinders will help to slow down the diesel truck continuously until it’s brought to a stop.
How is a jake brake different than an engine brake?
If you’re familiar with engine braking, you’re probably beginning to think that the two sound very alike; and it’s somewhat true. Both jake braking and engine braking are designed in the same way: to use the engine to slow down the vehicle.
However, they have their differences. First and foremost, an engine brake is going to be used on regular cars and trucks. It begins the moment you take your foot off of the gas pedal and a vacuum is created at the throttle. At this point, gravity works with the engine to slow down the car, and the addition of downshifting makes it all the more thorough and quicker.
Diesel jake brakes work differently. In the diesel engine brake, the truck driver will need to use the compression release brake. This, in turn, will start the process where the exhaust valves release pent up gas, ultimately slowing down the truck.
What are the benefits of using a jake brake?
When it comes to jake braking, there is actually a variety of benefits. These benefits work for the truck driver and the truck simultaneously, which is the reason why so many truck drivers prefer to use this method while slowing down. Some of these handy benefits to jake braking include the following:
- It is far easier to control speed when going downhill. Without jake braking, the constant pressure on the brakes can cause the truck to speed up and slow down irregularly, putting more wear and tear on the vehicle. It is also harder to maintain a good speed when using the brake pedal instead of jake braking.
- Using the brakes too often, whether you’re in a diesel truck or a regular car, will put excess wear and tear on the brakes. Consistent braking can cause the brakes to fade, or they may even overheat, which can be extremely dangerous. This is why jake braking is commonly used on downhill grades where a lot of braking would otherwise be needed, causing harm to the brakes.
- In some cases, using the jake brake can reduce overall stopping time. This is imperative when a truck driver may need to bring his truck to a halt sooner than he had expected. That being said, in some cases a jake brake is actually more thorough at stopping the diesel truck than the regular brake pedal.
- By using the jake brakes, you not only save your brakes and brake pads from becoming worn down, but you also reduce the overall amount of wear on the wheel brakes, too.
- Vehicle maintenance on a diesel truck can be incredibly pricey; but when you use the jake brake more often than the traditional brake pedal, you will save on vehicle maintenance costs overall. You will especially notice that you do not need to maintain brakes, brake pads, or wheel brakes as often either. Any maintenance regarding brakes can be a steep price to pay, so worrying less about brake maintenance is peace of mind for you and your wallet.
Why is jake braking illegal?
With so many positive benefits to using jake brakes, it may seem difficult to understand why they may be illegal. The only real reason for jake brake to be illegal is simply due to the fact that the compression release causes an incredibly loud noise that is similar to a gun firing, a lawn mower starting, or a jackhammer. These loud noises aren’t allowed near residential areas in order to not upset the residents.
You will know if jake braking is illegal in a certain area because you will see one of the following signs posted:
- Brake Retarders Prohibited
- Engine Braking Restricted
- Jake Brakes Prohibited
- No Jake Brakes
- Compression Braking Prohibited
- Limit Compression Braking
- Avoid Using Engine Brakes
- Unmuffled Compression Braking Prohibited
If a truck driver is found to be using their compression release brake in one of the areas where it is prohibited, they are likely to receive a hefty traffic fine.
Luckily for truck drivers, many areas do not restrict jake braking. This is especially true in mountainous areas where there are no residential spots around. This helps the truck drivers be able to handle the slopes and down grades in an easier and safer manner.
However, in this day and age companies are becoming more advanced in terms of their compression braking. Since the release gives off such a loud, unwanted noise, many companies have began making new mufflers and other devices known as turbochargers to help silence the awful noise. This will hopefully make it easier for truck drivers to go through areas where engine braking is restricted as the noise will not be nearly as loud, or silenced altogether.
Conclusion
When it comes to jake braking, it is highly beneficial to the truck driver. Not only do they reduce wear and tear on their truck (especially in the brake department), but they are able to slow done quicker in some cases and stay at a steady pace when going downhill. It makes things easier for the truck driver all around.
However, the unbearably loud noise makes it illegal in certain areas of the country that are located near residential homes or environmentally unstable areas (loud noises can cause avalanches). With the addition of new technology to reduce or silence this awful noise, we hope to see that jake braking will become legal in all areas.