Why You Should Fit an Engine Brake Retarder
by Gladys Bailey
If you have just bought a large truck and intend to use it as part of your new delivery operation, then you may not be familiar with this type of vehicle. You know that it is carefully engineered to deal with heavy loads and tough operating conditions, but you will always want to ensure that it is as well-equipped as possible for maximum productivity. With this in mind, you may need to consider adding certain parts to your recent acquisition, and in particular, you should think about an engine brake retarder. What is this and why is it a good idea in your case?
Augmenting Your Current System
The larger the vehicle, the more important its braking configuration, and most vehicles of this type will typically be fitted with an air brake system. This will be efficient in most situations, but your vehicle might benefit from some extra help in certain circumstances.
Reasons to Fit
For example, you may live in a particularly hilly area of the country and have to deal with steep downhill grades more often than not. While the current system fitted to your truck may be perfectly adequate, an engine brake retarder could cut down on your maintenance costs and make your vehicle more fuel-efficient as well.
Extra Braking Action
You may be able to retrofit an engine retarder to your vehicle. To do this, you would add an engine/brake housing assembly and dashboard control system so that you can activate this type of brake as and when needed. When you do so, it will change the action of the engine's exhaust valves to generate compressed air within the engine. This will, in turn, slow down the engine considerably, and this will produce a lot of drag through the drive train. In this case, the engine will be used to reduce power rather than increase it, and this will augment the work of the air braking system to provide you with greater efficiency.
Enhanced Control
Many drivers feel that an engine retarder may give them more control in inclement weather or whenever they encounter a slippery road, and they'll certainly prefer to use it during a steep, downhill descent.
Talk with your mechanic about fitting an engine retarder to your vehicle as soon as possible. This will make your job behind the wheel a lot easier and will help to make the vehicle more fuel-efficient. For additional information about things like Isuzu truck parts, reach out to an auto part supplier.
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About Me
Hi all! I'm Gary and I run a non-profit which teaches defensive driving skills. Of course, most of my students are in their teens, but I did have one gentleman who had received his license at sixty-two! We use an old speedway track to teach drivers what to do when obstacles are on the road and generally how to react in emergencies. I love what I do! Many companies see the benefit of this program and donate generously. My biggest expense by far is maintaining and repairing the cars we use in training. Not all students gain skills quickly! Even though I'm a driving instructor and not a mechanic, I now know an awful lot about car parts and where to find them. My students are often quite impressed by my broad knowledge base, so I thought I would share it with the world. Thank you and stay safe.