Not all braking systems on semis have to be loud to be effective. Exhaust brakes make a fraction of the noise that compression brakes do, here's how they work.

Alongside typical drum or disc brakes, beefier diesel engine vehicles sometimes employ exhaust brakes to bolster the stopping power of powerful haulers.

In almost 25 years powering General Motors trucks and SUVs, the 6.6-liter Duramax V8 diesel engine has earned a loyal following for performance and efficiency.