What happens if the retarder is always on?

[LillianMarie]

Keeping the retarder on continuously is equivalent to imposing an additional load on the engine. Here are some relevant details about the engine: 1. Engine displacement: Engine displacement is one of the most important structural parameters of an engine. By understanding the engine's displacement, you can gauge the vehicle's power performance. Generally, the larger the engine displacement, the greater the power output and the higher the fuel consumption. 2. Engine speed: Different engines have varying maximum power RPMs. Typically, gasoline engines reach their maximum power at 5000-8000r/min, while diesel engines operate at lower speeds, around 3000-5000r/min.

[McGianna]

Keeping the retarder on all the time is definitely not a good idea. Back when I drove long-haul trucks, I encountered a similar situation, and it added quite a bit to the fuel costs. The retarder is designed to work when you need to slow down, like on downhill slopes or during high-speed braking—it’s very handy in those scenarios. But if it’s left on during normal flat-road or city driving, the retarder system keeps running like an extra burden, forcing the engine to work harder and causing fuel consumption to spike. I’ve tested it, and it can increase fuel costs by about 10%. Even worse, it can overheat the braking system and even trigger warnings. Once, I left the retarder on for a full hour during a rainy highway drive, and the temperature soared so high it nearly fried the electromagnetic coil. Over time, this accelerates component wear, shortens lifespan, and drives up repair costs. As a driver, I believe the key is to use the retarder only in appropriate situations—like on mountain roads or during emergency braking—and turn it off promptly afterward to avoid unnecessary resource waste.

[LeEmilio]

Keeping the retarder engaged for extended periods leads to additional energy loss. From a vehicle design perspective, retarders generate braking force through resistance or hydraulics. When engaged without deceleration needs, they effectively increase engine load, wasting power and naturally increasing fuel consumption. It's particularly uneconomical to keep them engaged on flat roads or during acceleration phases, as this adds unnecessary fuel costs. Structurally, continuous load on coils or rotors can cause overheating, triggering system failures. During used vehicle inspections, I've encountered several cases where prolonged retarder usage damaged temperature control modules, resulting in costly repairs. Operational advice: activate it only on steep slopes or when auxiliary braking is needed—don't leave it constantly engaged for convenience.

[DeCarlos]

I just bought a car with a retarder and was worried about whether it would cause problems if it was always on. After consulting, I learned that keeping the retarder on all the time would significantly increase fuel consumption because it consumes extra fuel while operating. In terms of safety, it can make the braking feel irregular, and speed control becomes unstable on flat roads, increasing the risk of misoperation. The maintenance technician mentioned that overheating could damage sensors or circuit boards, shortening component lifespan and leading to higher repair costs. Now, I only turn on the retarder when going downhill or in emergencies, keeping it off otherwise for peace of mind.

[AdrianaDella]

Keeping the retarder constantly engaged significantly impacts fuel consumption. As a daily driver, I've noticed it adds extra fuel costs, as the retarder increases engine load and energy usage, especially when engaged on highways or non-braking sections, wasting 5-10% more fuel. Economically, it's not cost-effective because accumulated excess fuel consumption leads to substantial annual expenses. Additionally, components like coils wear faster under prolonged load, requiring earlier replacement and increasing maintenance costs. Only activating the retarder when necessary for deceleration or on slopes while keeping it off during other times can help save money.