What assists in both braking and reducing wear on service brakes?

The role of a retarder is specifically designed to assist in both braking and reducing wear on service brakes. A retarder is an auxiliary braking system that aids in slowing down a vehicle without solely relying on the traditional service brakes. This is particularly beneficial when descending long grades or in stop-and-go situations, where excessive use of service brakes can lead to overheating and premature wear.

By using a retarder, drivers can maintain control of their speed while minimizing the strain placed on the service brakes. This prolongs the lifespan of the brake components by distributing the braking force more evenly between the primary braking system and the retarder, allowing for smoother braking without the concomitant heat buildup and wear.

In comparison, while features like power steering and traction control enhance vehicle handling and stability, they do not directly contribute to braking performance or wear reduction. An antilock braking system (ABS) helps prevent wheels from locking during hard braking but does not provide the additional slowing power offered by a retarder. Therefore, the most effective option for reducing brake wear while assisting in braking is indeed the retarder.