The automotive industry is full of specialized terms that may sound foreign to many. One that has been gaining popularity recently in vehicle safety and efficiency discussions is the retarder. What is it really? Today we will take a closer look at the operation and application of a retarder, emphasizing its key importance in the transport industry.
Are you wondering what a retarder is? It is nothing more than an innovative braking system. Retarder owes its name to the English word retard, which means to slow down. It is used in some vehicles, mainly trucks and buses, and serves for additional engine braking. Its aim is to reduce the wear of disc and drum brakes and to increase driving safety , especially during long descents, where there is a risk of overheating of the brakes, as well as when driving on demanding terrain.
Retarders have become an integral part of many trucks and buses, providing additional safety and economy to traditional brakes. How does the retarder work? Its main purpose is to slow the vehicle without using the main braking system . We distinguish:
hydrodynamic retarder – one of the most popular additional braking systems. The hydrodynamic retarder consists of two rotors placed in a housing filled with special oil. One of the rotors is driven by the vehicle's drive shaft, while the other rotor acts as a brake. When the driver activates the system, oil is pumped between these rotors, creating hydrodynamic drag. This resistance slows down the rotation of the driveshaft, which in turn brakes the vehicle;
electrokinetic retarder – is valued especially due to its reliability, durability and ability to provide additional braking in an effective and economical manner. The basic principle of operation of an electrokinetic retarder is to use electrokinetic induction for braking. When the driver activates the retarder, it generates a magnetic field around the drive shaft. This magnetic field creates an induction current in the shaft, which creates an electromagnetic force that opposes the movement of the shaft. Importantly, there is no direct contact between the brake and the drive shaft, which minimizes wear and the need for maintenance.
Retarders can also be divided into:
Increasing the transport capabilities of companies, reducing vehicle operating costs while guaranteeing a higher level of safety and driving comfort - these are just some of the advantages of the retarder. How to use it to be effective? Here are the most important rules:
Most tractor units are equipped with a retarder lever, located on the right side of the steering wheel. The retarder is turned on by pressing the button located on it. It is important, however, to pay attention to the engine speed during operation, which should not fall below 1600 revolutions . This will allow you to maintain high braking power. When it comes to increasing and decreasing braking power, this can be adjusted using the same lever - moving it up or down. To deactivate the retarder, simply press the button again or use the accelerator pedal.
The use of a retarder is recommended, especially on long descents. On heavy vehicles, which can weigh up to 35 tons, traditional brakes can become excessively hot, posing a safety risk. Using a retarder allows the vehicle to gradually slow down and helps maintain a constant speed , which puts less strain on the truck's braking system .
While a retarder is undoubtedly a useful tool, there are situations where its use can be risky . In winter, on slippery surfaces, the retarder mainly slows down the tractor, which may lead to a situation in which the semi-trailer continues to move at a higher speed. This may lead to composition breakage. In warm months, when the brakes may overheat, it is worth using the automatic retarder mode, which is activated when the braking system is overloaded.
The retarder system is crucial for truck driving safety. It is an effective solution for truck drivers, ensuring optimal braking even in the most difficult road conditions. Whether it's braking while descending, braking with a heavy load or driving in difficult weather conditions , the retarder is an invaluable tool. Make sure it works properly - choose truck parts from Autos. Our automotive store is a guarantee of quality and professionalism.
