Share the road: What’s the engine brake’s purpose, and how do you use it?

Overdrive has partnered with PRX’s Radiotopia on Over the Road, an eight-episode podcast series giving voice to the trials and triumphs of American OTR truck drivers and owner-operators. The main series is hosted by Overdrive contributor Paul Marhoefer, with new episodes every other Thursday, and we’re asking listeners to call in with their questions about trucking, answering as many as we can via off-week “Channel One Nine Special” episodes hosted by Overdrive Senior Editor Todd Dills.

And those answers, we hope, will come from you.

You can use our Overdrive Radio podcast line to add your own contributions to the series — 530-408-6423. Every few days, check back here to OverdriveOnline.com and look for the “Share the road” marker in new story headlines for the latest questions from those in the motoring public, some from former and current professional drivers, too.You can use our Overdrive Radio podcast line to add your own contributions to the series — 530-408-6423. Every few days, check back here to OverdriveOnline.com and look for the “Share the road” marker in new story headlines for the latest questions from those in the motoring public, some from former and current professional drivers, too.

We’re starting with a series of questions about truck equipment. This first one’s from a motorist with some familiarity with terminology but clearly without trucking experience — it has to do with the engine brake (or “Jake brake,” of course), and we’ve actually received more than one question about it.

Generally speaking, listeners want to know what the purpose of the engine brake is, how it works, and how you use it. One who’d heard plenty use of louder Jakes, too, asked: Is it always so loud? Tap the call button below to weigh in with your experience/knowledge by leaving a message — be sure to state your name and location with any message. If you’re reading on a desktop, dial 530-408-6423.

Make sure to tell us your name and state of residence with any message.Make sure to tell us your name and state of residence with any message.
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