Under continuous braking and long slope braking conditions of high intensity for a long time, the temperature of the brake friction plate is extremely high, which leads to poor braking efficiency in the braking process, and even makes the braking force completely lost, More and more heavy-duty vehicles and high-speed transport vehicles are equipped with retarders. As an auxiliary braking system, a vehicle retarder can effectively maintain constant braking efficiency during vehicle braking. This paper discusses the development of HR (Hydraulic retarder) and ECR (Eddy current retarder) with the largest market share, working principle, installation mode, braking efficiency constant effect during use, application range, advantages and disadvantages, patent ownership, and technical difficulty. The technical demands and development trends of future retarders are summarized.INDEX TERMS heavy load vehicle, auxiliary braking, Hydraulic retarder, Eddy current retarder, constant braking efficiency.