The effects of engine braking are felt immediately when you lift your foot off the accelerator pedal. The car begins to slow down naturally as the engine creates resistance that helps reduce the vehicle's speed without using the brake pedal. Additionally, engine braking becomes more pronounced if you shift down to a lower gear, which increases the resistance from the engine and slows the car down more noticeably. However, engine braking alone will not bring the vehicle to a complete stop; the brakes and clutch will still be needed to fully stop the car. The slowing effect can be especially useful for controlling speed downhill and in icy conditions, and it helps reduce wear on the braking system.