What makes a good exhaust brake?
(From the Archives – Circa November 2004)
As the owner of a diesel engine-powered pickup, such as the Duramax, you already know that there is precious little braking effect when you back off the throttle. Even driving in Tow/Haul mode on automatic transmission-equipped vehicles does not significantly increase engine braking. Driving with the vehicle heavily loaded, or while pulling a trailer, down a long grade can seriously test your vehicle’s braking system as you continually apply the brakes to keep downhill speed in check.