The Scania Retarder – a device designed to reduce the speed of a truck – actually has the effect of increasing its average speed. This retarder excels in conditions where the roads criss-cross undulating terrain.

Productivity:
Without a retarder, the driver has to control downhill speed with the exhaust brake and service brakes, and by changing gear. To be effective and safe, caution will be required to ensure braking is early and steady, so that overheating and excessive speed is avoided.

With the Scania Retarder, speed control is much easier and safer. The driver can change gear while the retarder is engaged. Descents can be quicker, giving the truck greater momentum to climb the next hill. This is what makes journey times quicker.

Fuel economy:
Less use of brakes and accelerator to maintain consistent and safe cruising will use less fuel.

Lower emissions:
Less fuel used means lower levels of exhaust emissions are produced.

Cost of operation:
When the Scania Retarder is used in the fully automatic mode, around 75% of all braking is accomplished by the retarder and the exhaust brake.

This drastically reduces the use of all wheel brakes. Less use of the brakes means lower wear to discs and pads or drums and shoes. Less wear results in fewer visits to the workshop, and lower operating cost. The Scania Retarder itself requires no maintenance, other than occasional checks of fluid levels.

For the driver:
The Scania Retarder can be used in a fully automatic mode (actuated by the brake pedal) or in a manual mode (actuated by a lever on the dashboard). In automatic mode, the driver will has an optimised braking system merely by use of the brake pedal. It’s that simple. In the manual mode, the driver can choose to use or ignore the retarder, according to judgement. There is instantaneous manual over-ride of the automatic condition.