'Automatic engine brake' & 'Automatic retarder'

[Comfy Memes Mogul]

I disabled these two, but I can't tell the difference (nor I understand what it should be). I was under the impression that engine braking just meant limiting the speed with the stick, so I don't understand how that would be automatic anyway, since I drive manual. As for the retarder, I know that my current truck has one but as far as I can tell it makes no difference, either with the 'automatic retarder' on or off. Am I missing something very basic? Give me the quick rundown please.

[Hypertext Eye]

"Automatic engine brake" and "automatic retarder" just activate the engine brake/retarder when you press the service brake. That's all.

[HappyRusher]

And they are used with cruise control to maintain speed on downhill

[pieperjohanns]

Originally posted by Biri-Biri:

retarder, I know that my current truck has one but as far as I can tell it makes no difference

The "automatic retarder" setting makes your retarder activate additionally when you press the brake pedal, just as Hypertext Eye said already.

Originally posted by Biri-Biri:

I can't tell the difference (nor I understand what it should be)

Retarder and engine brake are both wear-free additional brake systems that don't need air pressure to work.
In real life the engine brake is part of either the engine or the exhaust pipe.
The retarder is part of the gearbox.
Both brakes are only directly affecting the driven axle(s), so your truck might become unstable if you use them without the service brake (brake pedal) while turning or on wet roads.

In my opinion the engine brake isn't really needed in the game because the map scale is so small. But the retarder is useful for the "smart cruise control" function to keep your speed when rolling downhill.

[Hypertext Eye]

Originally posted by Spook is in Danger:

And they are used with cruise control to maintain speed on downhill

That happens even when "automatic" is turned off.

[Nimir-Raj]

FYI automatic retarder should be on if you want realism.

[Hypertext Eye]

Originally posted by Mohegan Moh1336:

FYI automatic retarder should be on if you want realism.

Also true.

[Karlia]

Originally posted by Mohegan Moh1336:

FYI automatic retarder should be on if you want realism.

Well no, but it should be an in cab on stalk or dash switch option, not hidden in the settings. There are times you just need the service brake, not an added 800kw of tractive braking.

[kaki_gamet]

Maybe is just my impression but, when I first started to use both of them long time ago, despite the different noise of the retarder, I thought that I can lose speed faster than before and as a consequence, spare some cars from their rightful destiny : D

[Mike]

Here's a little explanation on how you usually use those braking systems irl and how you can use them in the game

The retarder is usually being used by a truck driver when you're slowing down from high speeds (e.g. highway, off-ramps or other roads).

The engine brake comes to play for braking from mid speeds to low speeds starting at different speeds, depending on how fast/hard you gotta brake.

You only use the air brakes to come to a complete stop after using the other two or for emergency braking or similar situations.
You sometimes use them a bit for normal braking as well, but only a little bit and not too much ;)(so that you don't lose too much air pressure)

If you're good at performing this braking procedure you can use it just like that in the game :)
Even with the map scale of the stock map ;)


See pieperjohanns' post for technical explanation ^^

[Hiro Protagonist]

Originally posted by Mike:

Here's a little explanation on how you usually use those braking systems irl and how you can use them in the game

The retarder is usually being used by a truck driver when you're slowing down from high speeds (e.g. highway, off-ramps or other roads).

The engine brake comes to play for braking from mid speeds to low speeds starting at different speeds, depending on how fast/hard you gotta brake.

And the reason for this procedure is that the braking power of the retarder is related to road speed (the faster you are going the stronger the effect, so it tapers off as you slow down) whilst the engine brake (compression or exhaust brake, depending on the setup) braking power is related to RPM (the higher the RPMs the stronger the effect, so it doesn't work well cruising in a high gear).