Most people don't know what a differential is, and that their car has one. Every car is equipped with a differential, whether it is front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, or all/four wheel drive. The differential helps the car compensate for the difference in distance between the inner wheels and the outer wheels when the car is going around the corner. So what exactly does that mean? Think of a high school track starting lines. The starting line for the outside lane is farther up than the starting line for the inside line. This allows for the runners to run the same distance no matter what lane they are in.
The differential allows for the inner and outer wheels to rotate at different speeds when going around a corner or making a turn. The wheels have to travel together, but the differential allows them to do this even when they are traveling at slightly different speeds and distances.
For a front wheel drive vehicle, the differential function is handled by your transaxle, which contains both the transmission and differential in the same housing and share the same gear oil. All wheel drive cars (including 4WD) have differentials on both axles, the front and rear differentials. Rear wheel drive cars have the differential in the rear, which is pictured above.
Differentials are built strong, and have heavy duty components because of the amount of work they do when you are driving your car. All the power of the engine is transferred through the differential. The differential fluid inside the differential lubricates and protects the gears and keeps them cool. Eventually this fluid becomes dirty which requires it to be changed to make sure that the differential is working properly. Fresh differential fluid will extend the life and operation of your differential.
Here at Jerry Noonan's Auto Center, we suggest having your differential fluid changed every 30,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first, to ensure that your differential is working at peak performance.
Have you ever had your differential fluid serviced? Give us a call today, and we will be happy to help!
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