What are the consequences of forgetting to turn off the retarder?
2 Answers
If the differential lock is not turned off, it will affect the rotation speed of the wheels on both sides, making them completely similar. Here is the relevant information: 1. Retarder: It is an auxiliary braking device for large vehicles (trucks, buses), allowing heavier vehicles to decelerate smoothly without consuming the braking system. Small cars do not have this feature. 2. Electromagnetic retarder: It is equivalent to installing a "generator" on the drive shaft. When not powered, there is no contact or wear. When deceleration is needed, the driver turns on the switch on the dashboard, and the drive shaft is subjected to the resistance of the electromagnetic field, achieving a braking effect. It automatically cuts off power when the accelerator is pressed again. The advantage is no wear, but the disadvantage is its bulky structure. 3. Hydraulic turbine retarder: A turbine chamber is added at the rear end of the transmission housing. When the braking circuit is activated, the transmission oil is pressurized in the turbine to create damping and achieve a braking effect. There is no wear, but additional cooling is required. This type is rare in China.
A retarder is an auxiliary braking device commonly used in large vehicles such as trucks. Forgetting to turn off the retarder while driving can have serious consequences. Continuous operation of the retarder adds extra resistance, increasing the load on the main braking system and accelerating wear on brake pads and drums. Over time, this can lead to overheating, deformation, and even damage to engine-related components, resulting in costly repairs. I've handled many cases like this: owners forgetting to turn off the retarder, causing brake drums to overheat and deform, requiring replacement. Additionally, fuel consumption rises because the retarder increases engine load when active, wasting money on fuel. More critically, during downhill driving or emergency braking, the braking response may become sluggish, increasing the risk of accidents. I recommend developing the habit of checking whether the retarder switch is off before parking, especially after long-distance trips. During regular maintenance, have a technician inspect the braking system to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Safe driving starts with attention to detail—don't underestimate this oversight.
