Demystifying Retarders: An In-Depth Guide for Euro Truck Simulator 2

Retarders provide a crucial supplemental braking function in heavy trucks, buses, and of course our own big rigs in Euro Truck Simulator 2. But how exactly do these devices work to slow our virtual trucks as we careen down steep European mountain passes? This comprehensive technical and practical guide aims to make retarders less mysterious.

I‘ll provide an overview of retarder engineering fundamentals, benefits, proper operation, limitations, and integration with other brake systems on trucks. Buckle up – we‘ll also dive into gameplay application and tips for mastering retarders in ETS2. If you want to gain a deeper understanding of this vital but often misunderstood piece of equipment, read on fellow trucker!

Engineering Inside a Retarder

Before jumping into using retarders in ETS2, it helps to understand what‘s happening under the hood. Retarders sit between the engine and drivetrain and function independently of normal friction brakes. Let‘s look at the three main types:

Exhaust Brake Retarders

The Jacobs Engine Brake is the most common exhaust brake retarder. Here‘s the science behind its operation:

• The backpressure valves momentarily close off the exhaust system, building pressure inside the cylinders.

• This pressure rises against the pistons on the compression stroke.

• The engine has to work harder to push the pistons, slowing down the crankshaft speed.

• The stored energy gets released as heat out the exhaust.

According to Jacobs [1], their engine brakes can provide up to 370 brake horsepower slowing force!

Hydraulic Retarders

These work based on a hydraulic pump and turbine attached to the drivetrain:

• The pump pushes fluid into the turbine, which resists turning.

• The fluid flows through fins that dissipate heat.

• This hydraulic resistance slows the transmission‘s rotation, slowing the vehicle.

VOITH and Telma [2] are leading hydraulic retarder manufacturers, providing up to 700 kW braking power!

Electric Retarders

Electric retarders are the newest type and work based on an electric motor used as a generator:

• The motor is coupled to the driveline and spins as the truck moves.

• It converts this kinetic energy into electricity, acting as a brake.

• The current gets discharged through resistors as heat.

Companies like Valeo [3] offer electric retarders generating up to 350 kW of braking power.

Now that we‘ve looked inside retarders, let‘s examine why they‘re important safety components.

The Benefits of Retarders for Trucks

Retarders provide substantial benefits alongside conventional braking systems:

• Up to 2-3x higher braking force than engine brakes alone [4]

• Reduce service brake use to avoid overheating and fading

• Deliver smooth stable deceleration at higher speeds

• Help maintain control on steep downhill grades

• Function independently of service brake air pressure

• Allow service brakes time to cool via alternating use

• Protect cargo from load shifting under hard braking

• Prevent jackknifing by easing trailer push

• Extend brake life by sharing workload – brake replacements are expensive!

Now let‘s shift gears and apply these principles to mastering retarders in ETS2.

Proper Use of Retarders in ETS2

Retarders are invaluable tools in ETS2 for maintaining control of our heavy trucks on downward slopes and at cruising speed. Here are tips on using them effectively:

Activate retarder first before service brakes when slowing from high speed – this avoids sudden deceleration.

Adjust strength based on speed – use lower settings around 50mph, higher above 65mph.

Increase strength on steeper declines to keep speed in check.

Use lower strength on slippery roads or light trailers to prevent locking wheels.

Turn off when bobtailing an empty trailer to retain stability.

Disable below 25mph as effectiveness drops off. Use service brakes to complete stopping.

Avoid prolonged use on extremely steep hills to prevent transmission damage from heat.

Use retarder lightly on wet roads and around tight turns.

I recommend mapping retarder toggle and increase/decrease to easily reachable keyboard or controller buttons. Many ETS2 pros use mouse wheel binding too.

Integrating Retarders with Other Brake Systems

Retarders are part of a total braking package including service brakes, ABS, and engine brakes:

[Image: Brake Comparison Table]

Proper combined use of all systems provides the best vehicle control and safety:

• Service Brakes – Slow the wheels via friction. Prone to fading when hot.

• ABS – Prevents lockup but doesn‘t shorten stopping distance.

• Engine Brake – Provides backpressure slowing of the engine. Less effective than retarder.

• Retarder – Main supplemental system for heavy braking needs.

Downsides and Limitations of Retarders

Retarders aren‘t without some downsides to keep in mind:

• Not meant to fully stop a vehicle – only extends slowing distance in combination with service brakes.

• Can cause transmission overheating if used excessively, especially on very steep hills.

• Noticeably less effective at low speeds below 25mph.

• Requires specialized transmission – not easily added onto standard vehicles.

• Needs to be disabled in slippery conditions to avoid drive wheel lockup and loss of control.

Proper driver training and practice is key to getting the most from retarders while avoiding potential misuse.

Closing Thoughts on Mastering Retarders in ETS2

That covers the key technical, practical, and gameplay facets of retarder operation! While complex inside, properly utilizing retarders enables safer and more efficient downhill travel along the virtual highways and byways of ETS2. I hope this guide has demystified retarders and provided helpful tips for deploying them smoothly alongside engine brakes and service brakes in your own big rig journeys. Stay safe on the mountain passes and happy trucking!

Sources

[1] https://www.jacobsvehiclesystems.com/technologies/engine-brake
[2] https://www.voith.com/corp-en/products-services/drivetrain/retarders.html
[3] https://www.valeoservice.com/en/product/electric-retarder
[4] https://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/brakes/brake-types/retarder.htm