What is retarder CDL? Here the retarder is the braking system that is used in heavy vehicles whereas CDL means Commercial Driver’s Licences. A retarder is a braking system that is used in commercial vehicles such as trucks. This braking systems are used as an additional braking system with the traditional brakes. They need a skillful driver who knows how to activate and use this system. There are many types of retarder braking systems and each one of them uses a different technique to apply brakes and slow down the vehicle. Let us explore the What is retarder CDL types of retarders and how they work. We have also mentioned the pros and cons of every type of retarder in CDL.
What Is Retarder CDL?
What is retarder CDL? is the reference to the engine brake system that is usually in big commercial vehicles. This Retarder system helps the vehicles to slow down without relying completely on the traditional frictional brakes. This reduces the brake’s wear and tear plus enhances the safety. There are different types of Retarers and each of them uses a different mechanism to give an additional braking system. They are very useful for maintaining control when traveling as long as they reduce the risk of overheating the conventional brakes.
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Type Of Retarder CDL
What is retarder CDL? There 4 types of retarders in CDL For Trucks. Let us have a look at them and understand them.
- Hydraulic Retarders (Transmission)
Hydraulic retarders also known as Transmission Retarders use fluid resistance to slow down the truck or the vehicle. When this system is activated the retarder increases the pressure on the fluid and that creates resistance on the parts that are moving this decreases the speed of the vehicle.
- Electromagnetic Retarders
Electromagnetic or electric retarders use electromagnetic force to apply brakes. When this system is activated there is an electric current that passes through the coils present and this creates a magnetic field that resists the rotation of the drive shaft and as a result, the vehicle slows down.
- Exhaust Brakes
The exhaust brakes work by a simple method that is it stops the flow of exhaust gases from the engine. This creates pressure on the moving parts and slows the engine resulting in slowing down the vehicle.
- Engine Brakes (Jake Brakes)
Engine brakes are also known as Jake brakes (Jake’s name comes from the trademarked name Jacobs Vehicle Systems). It modifies the engine’s exhaust valves that slow down the engine by turning it into a power-absorbing air compressor.
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Pros And Cons Od Retarder CDL
What is retarder CDL There are some pros and cons for every Retarder in CDL.
Hydraulic Retarders (Transmission)
The pros and cons of hydraulic or transmission retarders are
Pros
- It gives an effective braking power to the vehicle.
- Increases the like of traditional brakes.
- It reduces the heat that is generated when using brakes.
Cons
- This system takes some space and also adds some extra weight.
- The installation is a bit expensive and also complex.
- The checkup of the fluid needs regular checkups and maintenance.
Electromagnetic Retarders (Electric)
The pros and cons of Electromagnetic or Electric Retarders are
Pros
- It gives a fast and smooth slowdown with control.
- As there is no physical contact the wear and tear are minimal.
- It works with no noise that is it has a very quiet operation.
Cons
- It needs a good amount of electric energy that can drain the electric system of the vehicle.
- It occupies a lot of space and also adds good weight.
- It is expensive to install and maintain.
Exhaust Brakes
The pros and cons of exhaust retarders are
Pros
- It is very simple and easy to install
- It is less expensive compared to other retarders.
- It has low maintenance.
Cons
- It gives less braking power than other type of retarders.
- It makes noise that can be a concern.
- The engine may need maintenance as it increases and exhausts engine.
Engine Brakes (Jake Brakes)
The pros and cons of engine or jake brakes) are
Pros
- It gives strong and powerful braking force.
- It gives good control and slows down the vehicle.
- It reduces the use of primary brakes which reduces the wear and rear of them.
Cons
- It can make a lot of disturbing noise.
- It is a bit complex to install and also expensive.
- It requires a skillful driver to use it effectively.
How Does Retarder CDL Work?
The Retarders in CDL are of different types and each one uses a different technique to work. This braking system helps the vehicle to slow down efficiently and without relying on traditional brakes. The driver needs to activate the retarder system. The energy utilized by these braking systems reduces the heating of the vehicle. It also reduces maintenance of the brakes and increases the life of it.
- Hydraulic Retarders (Transmission)
Hydraulic retarders also known as Transmission Retarders work by using fluid resistance that slows down the speed of a truck or vehicle. As soon as the hydraulic retarder is activated it increases the pressure on the fluid and that creates resistance on the parts that are moving this decreases the speed of the vehicle.
- Electromagnetic Retarders
Electromagnetic also called electric retarders use electromagnetic force to apply brakes. When this retarder is activated it passes an electric current via the coils that are present. This creates a magnetic field that resists the rotation of the drive shaft and as a result, the vehicle slows down.
- Exhaust Brakes
The exhaust brakes work by a simple method that is it stops the flow of exhaust gases from the engine. This creates pressure on the moving parts and slows the engine resulting in slowing down the vehicle.
- Engine Brakes (Jake Brakes)
Engine brakes are also known as Jake brakes (Jake’s name comes from the trademarked name Jacobs Vehicle Systems). It modifies the engine’s exhaust valves that slow down the engine by turning it into a power-absorbing air compressor.
Conclusion
The Retarders in CDL trucks are used to enhance the braking system of the vehicle. There are different types of retarder braking systems that use different techniques as per their name. The hydraulic, electromagnetic, Jake brakes, and exhaust retarders. Each one of them helps and reduces the maintenance and increases the life of the traditional brakes. The hydraulic and electromagnetic are the most powerful retarder systems but can add weight and are a bit costlier.
FAQ
What Are The Different Types Of Retarders Used In Commercial Vehicles?
There are 4 types of Retarder
- Engine Brakes
- Exhaust Brakes
- Hydraulic retarders
- Electronic or Clam magnetic
What Is The Use Of Retarders On Vehicles?
Generally, retarders are used to slow down the speed of vehicles on slopes, so that the vehicles do not drift away in hilly areas.
When Should We Not Use Retarder?
Whenever drivers are traveling in wet areas, slippery, or roads covered in snow. They must switch off the retarder.
What Are Engine Brakes Referred To As?
Engine Brakes are referred to as Jake brakes too. In most areas, they are prohibited as they make loud noise.
What Are The Four Types Of Auxiliary Brake Retarders?
The 4 most common types of Auxiliary Brake Retarders are –
- Electromagnetic Retarders.
- Exhaust Brakes.
- Engine Compression Brakes.
- Transmission Retarders.
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