On wet, slippery, and icy roads, which is the best action to take regarding brake retarders?

On wet, slippery, and icy roads, turning brake retarders off is the best action to take. Brake retarders are designed to assist with reducing speed and can be effective in many driving conditions. However, in inclement weather, particularly when roads are wet or icy, the use of brake retarders can lead to loss of traction. This loss of traction increases the risk of skidding or losing control of the vehicle while braking, as brake retarders can cause the drive wheels to lock up or reduce engine braking effect, making it harder to control the vehicle.

By turning brake retarders off, drivers can maintain better traction and stability, allowing for smoother and more controlled braking in challenging conditions. This is especially important since maintaining control is critical for safe driving in adverse weather. Ensuring that brake retarders are turned off allows the vehicle's braking system to function optimally and helps prevent accidents caused by skidding or over-braking on slippery surfaces.