Here’s an automotive part you might not be familiar with—the differential. It’s a component that transfers power from the driveshaft to the wheels. It’s called a differential because the left and right drive wheels travel at different speeds when you make a turn. During that turn, the wheel on the outside travels farther than the one on the inside, so the outside wheel is turning faster.
Your vehicle’s differential works by having gears that regulate the whole process. It has fluid inside to reduce friction between the gears. As you can imagine, those gears have a heavy load to handle, so this differential fluid helps reduce friction between the metal parts as they’re moving. The fluid also carries heat away from the gears to keep temperatures down in the differential.
After a time, the heat and the loads take their toll on the differential fluid. It starts to accumulate little metal particles from the gears wearing down. After a while, your differential fluid isn’t as efficient in cooling and lubricating the gears. The gears start making noise, aren’t as smooth as before and can reduce your fuel economy. Let the fluid stay in too long and you can wind up having to replace the differential itself, an expensive repair.
The best way to make your differential last as long as possible is by having the differential fluid changed at intervals recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Your differential will not only last longer, it will make for smoother operation. It’s especially important if you use your vehicle for towing or do a lot of driving in stop and go traffic.
It’s a fluid many drivers forget about, but maintaining your differential fluid will pay off in the long run.
Sparks Tire & Auto
1665 Scherer Parkway
St. Charles, Missouri 63303
636-946-5900