Trucks, whether big or small, have many components. Some have unique components that you will not find in other trucks. A good example is Jake brakes, which are common in big trucks. A common question most people ask is: what are Jake brakes, and why do truck owners use them? Unlike standard brakes, Jake brakes are not located close to the tires but at the engine. Therefore, they are also known as engine brakes. The technical term for Jake brakes is compression-release engine brake. They release compressed air in the truck engine through exhaust valves to instantly reduce truck speed. Jake brakes prevent significant brake wear and come in handy in case of standard brake failure.

Understanding Jake Brakes

Jake brake is a nickname for compression-release engine brakes. The nickname originated from Jacob Vehicle Systems, the initial manufacturer of compression brakes. Alternative names for Jake brakes include compression brake, compression release brake, and decompression brake.

The primary role of Jake brakes is to slow down a truck without relying solely on the standard brakes. Trucks and semi-trucks, whether loaded or empty, can be extremely challenging to handle and control. Jake brakes serve as a complementary tool to the truck's standard brakes. They are used alongside the standard brakes. When a quick deceleration is crucial, Jake brakes come in handy, mainly when driving in heavy highway traffic or on steep declines.

Jake brakes are not a substitute for standard brakes; they are supplements. When truck drivers operate their vehicles within the allowed speed limits, they can rely on the standard brakes to reduce speed and stop the truck. Depending on how frequently a truck is on the road, standard brakes require a replacement after every 100,000 miles. However, some trucks require new brakes after every 50,000 to 70,000 miles. Jake brakes take off some weight from the standard brakes and protect them from extreme wear.

How Jake Brakes Work

Jake brakes are incorporated into the truck's engine and alter the functioning of the engine exhaust valves. During regular operation, this is how a truck engine works:

  • Air intake — Air enters the truck engine through the intake valve and fills the engine cylinder with air

  • Compression — This is compressed under high-pressure

  • Expansion — The air expands, pushing the piston down and driving energy back to the truck engine

  • Exhaust — The piston is raised, pushing air through the exhaust valve and then out of the truck

When Jake brakes are in place, the exhaust valve will open close to the end of the compression stage, delivering less energy (energy is in the form of air) back to the truck engine. This buildup of compressed air slows the truck down, even if the standard brakes are not working.

When engaging Jake brakes, a truck driver must remember three main steps, according to Jacobs Vehicle Systems.

  • A truck driver must set the switch to match the load setting — he heavier the load the truck carries, the more braking power is required. Most systems range from 1 (lowest) to 3 (highest).

  • The next step involves releasing the clutch pedal — When a driver does this, it disengages the transmission.

  • Removing the foot from the throttle — A driver kick starts the Jake brake by laying off the throttle.

Following the steps outlined above, the truck engine is converted from a power-producing engine to a power-absorbing compressor. Truck drivers must remember that Jake brakes complement the standard brakes. Therefore, truck drivers should use Jake brakes in conjunction with standard brakes to bring a truck to a stop.

Situations Where Jake Brakes Are Crucial

Truck drivers should only engage Jake brakes in certain scenarios where additional truck control is necessary. For example, drivers can use Jake brakes to slow trucks in heavy traffic, especially in stop-and-go situations. When truck drivers employ Jake brakes, they do not have to keep slamming on the brake pedal and can better control the truck.

Jake brakes are also crucial when a truck is traveling downhill. Trucks require immense power to drive uphill, especially when carrying heavy loads. When traveling downhill, drivers must control their vehicles. Jake brakes come in handy to control the truck instead of relying on the service brakes alone. Truck brakes are prone to failure on steep downhills, so drivers engage Jake brakes. Jake brakes offer an additional safety measure in case the standard brakes fail.

Using Jake brakes alongside conventional brakes saves the latter from intense wear and tear. Some truckers admit that using Jake brakes extends the life of standard brakes by two or three times. If a truck or trailer has eighteen wheels, there will be so many brakes to replace. Using Jake brakes saves a lot of money in the long term.

Jake Brakes Make Loud Noise

The main limitation of Jake's brakes is the loud, growling noise they produce. Some people refer to this noise as jackhammer-like noise. In wide-open highway settings, the noise from Jake's brakes might not be noticeable because of the noise from other vehicles on the road. However, this noise is more noticeable in residential areas and the noise can be worse if the truck does not have the appropriate muffler.

The Jake brake noise is the reason for the engine braking limitations in some states and cities. Engine braking is the act of using engine brakes. Truck drivers must understand the engine braking rules and limitations wherever they drive.

Whether Jake Brakes Can Damage The Engine

Using Jake brakes does not damage the engine or other truck components. The only requirements are that the engine oil be not low and that the engine has reached the optimal operating temperature. There is a risk of engine damage if a driver uses Jake brakes with low engine oil or a cool engine.

Engine brakes increase the risk of jackknifing on slippery roads. Therefore, truck drivers should use conventional brakes if there are water or ice pools on the driving surface.

Whether Jake Brakes Use More Fuel

A common argument is whether engine brakes use more fuel. Even if Jake brakes use more fuel, the additional cost is far lower than the money saved by extending the conventional brake life. In addition, engine brakes decrease the stopping distance, thus promoting safety. The only drawback is that engine brakes produce a loud noise when used. This noise is loud enough to penetrate people's houses and disturb their peace. This noise can annoy or startle people. Therefore, some local government representatives restrict the use of Jake brakes in their neighborhoods.

The Legality Of Jake Brakes

Many non-truckers loathe engine brakes. Their loud sound irritates their ears and can even wake them up at night. Also, claims of truckers using Jake brakes to scare pedestrians or children are common. Some people also claim that truckers can use the Jake brakes to scare other drivers who annoy them.

In response to the complaints against Jake brakes, signs are common in truck routes, curbing the usage of Jake brakes. The typical signage includes:

  • No engine brakes

  • No jake brakes

  • Compression braking prohibited

  • Brake retarders restricted

  • No Jake brakes within city limits

  • Unmuffled compression brakes prohibited

  • Trucks, please. no jake brake

In some neighborhoods, using Jake brakes is illegal. Other neighborhoods have noise restrictions, making engine brakes illegal. Truckers must watch out for signage before engaging engine brakes.

It is unclear whether the municipality can enforce the "No Engine Brakes" rules. Many truckers argue that sometimes, they must deal with abrupt changes in road speeds. This means changing speeds within short distances and without proper signage to warn truckers of the upcoming speed limit changes. For example, the speed limit can abruptly drop from 50 to 30 mph. In these cases, using Jake brakes is safer than conventional ones.

Do Jake Brakes Prevent Or Promote Truck Accidents?

Perhaps you have driven close to a tractor-trailer and heard a loud sound as you approached a red light. You could have mistaken this sound for a clutch sound. However, this is the sound of engine brakes or Jake brakes. Truck drivers mainly rely on Jake brakes when driving in hilly areas. However, trucks can also use these brakes when attempting to slow down on highways or other roadways.

Jake brakes can be crucial in keeping the roads safe when appropriately used. Truck drivers do not always have to rely on disc brakes, which tend to overheat quickly or fail. Jake brakes modify a truck's four-stroke piston energy, working against the truck's forward momentum.

Jake brakes sound like a good feature that can make trucks safer, especially on mountainous terrain. However, some truck drivers abuse the brakes, mainly through negligence, inexperience, or fatigue, which affects how a truck reacts.

Most Jake brakes warn drivers not to use them in slippery conditions. Truck drivers should not use Jake brakes when a truck is traveling without a trailer or when the trailer has a light load. Engine brakes have strong stopping power. Without ample traction and weight on tires, applying Jake brakes can cause the truck to skid, resulting in a jackknife accident or loss of control.

If you sustain injuries in a truck accident, it is highly likely that the accident occurred due to the misuse of Jake brakes. You should contact an experienced attorney to help you establish liability in a truck accident.

A truck driver can use both conventional brakes and Jake brakes simultaneously. This can cause a truck to slow down faster than expected, jackknifing and smashing into other vehicles and pedestrians.

Many commuters consider trucks and trailers a leading cause of chain collisions. Accidents involving engine brakes are caused by driver mistakes or poor weather. For example, if a driver applies Jake brakes on a slippery road, the quick deceleration could cause the vehicle to lose grip and traction, resulting in a skid or possibly a jackknife.

For new drivers, these instances can be hazardous because the driver might need to develop the requisite reflexes while driving such massive vehicles and could be unfamiliar with the proper conditions for utilizing Jake brakes. Furthermore, activating the Jake braking can destabilize the vehicle if a truck's cargo is too light or poorly piled, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

The Common Injuries Caused By Jake Brake Accidents

Accidents involving engine brakes can lead to severe injuries. Whiplash, spinal cord injuries, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries are among the most common injuries. Truck accidents can have far-reaching implications for truck drivers and other road users because of their sheer size and weight. Victims of these catastrophes often face lengthy recovery times and substantial medical expenditures.

Determining Fault In Jake Brake Accidents

Liability in engine braking accidents can be complicated. Potentially liable parties include truck drivers, trucking businesses, Jake brake makers, and truck maintenance providers. Drivers can be held accountable if they utilize the Jake brake improperly or in prohibited regions. The trucking firm could be held responsible if it failed to provide proper training or if  its policies promoted risky driving habits. Manufacturers can be held liable if a defective element in the Jake brake is discovered to have contributed to the accident. On the other hand, maintenance providers could be liable if the braking system was not serviced adequately or appropriately.

The Steps to Take After a Jake Brake Accident

A Jake brake accident can be pretty serious, and the process of making a legal claim can differ from that of a conventional automobile accident. These tips will guide you through what to do immediately following a truck collision.

A truck accident can cause significant and catastrophic injuries. Many times, a person involved in an accident with a semi-truck is seriously hurt. They only have to worry about receiving the necessary medical care. However, if you are involved in a Jake brake accident and are fortunate enough to walk away with minimal injuries, there are specific critical actions you should take to deal with the aftermath.

Call The Police

In most cases, this is 911. If you are on a highway, the 911 operator will direct you to the local authority's department and emergency responders. Tell the dispatcher how many individuals are involved in the collision so that they can deploy as many ambulances as necessary.

Even if the collision appears to be minor, file a police complaint. A police report is the most effective way to obtain instant collision documentation, and the police will keep complete records of all involved vehicles.

Seek Medical Treatment

Even if you do not believe you have been injured, obtain a medical evaluation because you could have sustained injuries with no immediate symptoms. If you require medical attention afterward for an injury, it could be challenging to prove that it was caused by the accident. You might have an injury, such as internal bleeding, which is difficult to detect but can be diagnosed by a doctor.

Even if you were examined by a medical technician at the accident scene, you should get a comprehensive medical evaluation at a doctor's office.

Document Evidence

Only do this if you are unhurt and it is safe to exit your vehicle or walk around. If you are on a major highway and the police have yet to arrive to direct traffic, you ought not to be wandering around.

Take pictures and obtain contact details of witnesses and all those involved in the crash. Include any other notes concerning road or weather conditions and other factors that could have contributed to the accident.

Mind What You Say

You could be outraged that the truck driver triggered an accident, but being rude to the other drivers will get you nowhere. When irritated, we often say things we do not mean or regret. It is far better to have a cool head after an accident so that you can gauge your words. Do not say anything that could jeopardize your case later.

Do not concede guilt or liability. Even if you know you are at fault, keep it to yourself. Do not lie; instead, avoid discussing the details. Save the details for your attorney. You might be somewhat responsible, but other variables could reduce your liability.

Do Not Post The Accident Details On Social Media

A truck collision is typically more severe than an average car accident. It could make headlines if it entailed road closures, an extensive cleanup, or fatalities. You might see photographs or articles from local news outlets but resist commenting.

Similarly, do not publish anything on your social media accounts that could reveal your physical or emotional state or how you believe the incident occurred. You might want to tell your loved ones what happened and how it makes you feel, but social media can lead to legal problems later.

Find An Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Near Me

The aftermath of an engine braking accident can be overwhelming and difficult, especially if you are recovering from significant injuries. However, this is where the expertise of an attorney comes into play. An attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and establish who is responsible. The process can entail reviewing local regulations and legislation and reviewing driver logs, truck maintenance records, and black box data. An attorney can also help when negotiating with the insurance company for proper reimbursement for your injuries and other losses.

If you or your loved one is involved in a Jake brake accident in California, contact our attorney at the Truck Accident Injury Attorney Law Firm. Our attorneys will investigate your case, identify the liable parties, and help you seek compensation for your injuries. Contact us at 888-511-3139 to speak to one of our attorneys.