For me it is the fact that our blood contains iron. I earlier used to believe the word stood for some ‘organic element’ since I couldn’t accept we had metal flowing through our supposed carbon-based bodies, till I realized that is where the taste and smell of blood comes from.
In my car with automatic CVT transmission, I have to downshift using the paddle shifter in order to force it to do engine braking. It doesn’t do any engine braking if I simply let the gas pedal go.
It is probably still “engine braking” in that the engine is putting resistance on the wheels, but it’s probably opening the throttle and halting fuel injection in order to maximize your coasting/minimize rolling resistance.
CVTs usually use a clutch rather than a torque converter, so they like to stay “locked up” to minimize wear.
I think. Not a mechanic, and I drive a manual.