"Improve Safety and Eliminate Brake Failure
The saying 'it's easy to go uphill, but hard to go downhill' is not only relevant for hikers, but also for vehicles traveling down steep roads like the Panshan Highway. Long and continuous downhill stretches put extreme pressure on a vehicle’s braking system. Especially for large commercial vehicles, prolonged use of brakes can cause overheating, leading to brake failure and even serious accidents. We’ve all heard too many stories about such incidents.
Recently, reporters participated in an experience in the mountainous area of Yunnan. Two fully loaded tourist buses descended from the top of a hill. The driver remained calm, facing long slopes and sharp turns without touching the brake pedal at all. Upon reaching the bottom, it was clear that the braking system had not overheated. At the beginning of the descent, the service brakes were only used briefly at the final stop. The entire journey was controlled by the hydraulic retarder. The driver explained: "In the past, drivers who often drove in mountainous areas were always worried about brake failure. Sometimes we had to stop to cool down the brakes, which made driving stressful. With the retarder, it feels much safer and easier."
Whether it's a passenger car or a truck, modern commercial vehicles are trending toward higher power and heavier loads. More heavy and high-speed transportation has placed stricter demands on vehicle performance. While engine power has increased significantly, braking capacity hasn’t kept up due to limitations in axle structure and brake drum size. That’s where the hydraulic retarder comes in—it solves this problem effectively.
Hydraulic Retarders Offer Superior Performance
Currently, there are two main types of retarders in the domestic market: hydraulic and eddy current. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some users, especially those operating in mountainous regions, find that eddy current retarders fall short under continuous downhill conditions. As the working time increases, eddy current retarders can quickly heat up to several hundred degrees, causing a rapid decline in their retarding effect. High temperatures not only affect the transmission but also reduce the lifespan of the device itself, often requiring replacement every two years. Additionally, the high current draw (100–150A) can damage batteries, and the electromagnetic interference generated may disrupt other vehicle systems.
In Europe, hydraulic retarders now dominate 98% of the market, while eddy current models are gradually being phased out. This shift began in the 1960s when regulations like ECER13 were introduced, requiring trucks over 16 tons and buses with more than 5 tons and 8 seats to maintain a constant speed of 30 km/h on a 7% slope using only auxiliary braking systems. These rules have improved vehicle safety and driven the development of the retarder industry. Due to the demanding performance requirements, the limitations of eddy current technology became evident, leading to a preference for hydraulic systems.
Today, the number of various types of retarders installed on large passenger vehicles in China is growing rapidly, including engine exhaust brakes, hydraulic, and eddy current models. However, only 20% of them meet EU standards.
Safe, Economical, and Environmentally Friendly
According to Peng Zhenjun, General Manager of Voith Turbo’s Road Sales in South China, the biggest advantage of hydraulic retarders is their ability to provide consistent braking force over long periods, while being energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Studies show that they significantly improve braking safety, reduce gear shifts by 36%, and increase average speed by 5.9%. This leads to smoother driving and better operational efficiency.
Hydraulic retarders can replace the service brake in most situations, reducing its usage by over 70% and extending the life of brake pads by 10 to 50 times. This protects the service brake, allowing drivers to use it only in emergencies, reducing the risk of tire damage from overheating, and saving maintenance costs.
Users of Voith Retarders say that although the initial cost is high, the long-term benefits in terms of safety and reduced wear on brake components make it worthwhile. Many vehicles equipped with retarders see brake pad lifespans reach 800,000 km, compared to just tens of thousands of kilometers without one. Within 2 to 3 years, the savings on maintenance will offset the installation cost.
Additionally, using a retarder helps reduce brake dust emissions by 80% and lowers noise from brake friction. Whether considering safety, efficiency, or environmental impact, hydraulic retarders are definitely worth promoting. As more affordable and high-quality products like Voith Turbo Retarders become available, more drivers and passengers will benefit from the enhanced safety and eco-friendliness they offer."
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