A retarder or speed bumps Milwaukee for example is a type of braking module found on heavy vehicles whose purpose is to relieve the vehicle by offering endurance braking rather than overheating the brakes of the truck equipped with it. It is, therefore, a module with a view to safety because overheating the brakes, particularly on a steep descent, could lead to longer braking distances, which could cause a collision with another vehicle.

In addition, the installation of this type of module represents a definite advantage for transport companies because they make it possible to reduce the frequency of replacement of brake pads, which allows companies managing fleets of vehicles equipped with retarders to carry out savings.

Which Vehicles Are Usually Equipped With A Retarder?

Retarders are generally fitted to heavy vehicles for road transport, transporting goods (trucks) or people (coaches). But personal vehicles, such as utility vehicles or even motorhomes, can also be equipped with such safety devices.

What Are The Different Types Of Existing Speed Bumps?

There are currently three types of retarders that can be installed on heavy vehicles to facilitate their braking: pneumatic retarders, hydraulic retarders, and electric retarders.

The Pneumatic Retarder

Pneumatic retarders, also called engine retarders, are installed directly on the engine block. Thanks to control that can be activated by foot or hand, the heavy vehicle driver can inject more air into the engine or block the exhaust gas outlets to slow down his truck. This module is similar to a more efficient version of the engine brake.

The electromagnetic retarder

Finally, heavy vehicles can carry electromagnetic retarders that operate using eddy currents. These retarders are electromagnets fixed to the truck and framing disks attached to the wheels. When the driver of the heavy goods vehicle supplies the retarders with electricity using an action performed on a control, the electromagnets will generate magnetic fields which will brake the discs associated with the wheels without generating friction between the mechanical parts, which reduces the need for adjustment as well as premature wear of parts.