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When it comes to vehicle maintenance, many drivers focus on essential parts like the engine, brakes, and tires. However, one critical component often overlooked is the differential. The differential is an essential part of your vehicle’s drivetrain, and understanding its role can help you appreciate how it contributes to smooth and safe driving.

In this blog, we'll dive into what the differential does, how it works, and why maintaining it is important for your vehicle’s performance.

What is the Differential?

The differential is a gear system that allows your vehicle’s wheels to rotate at different speeds while receiving power from the engine. It is a crucial part of your vehicle’s drivetrain, particularly when you make turns.

When you turn a corner, the wheels on the outside of the turn have to cover more distance than those on the inside. The differential compensates for this difference by allowing the wheels to spin at different speeds while ensuring that power is still delivered to both sides of the vehicle. Without a differential, your vehicle would struggle to turn smoothly, and there would be significant stress placed on the drivetrain, leading to wear and tear on your tires and axles.

Types of Differentials

Not all differentials are the same. There are various types designed for different vehicle needs:

• Open Differential: The most common type, found in many passenger cars. It splits torque between the wheels, but if one wheel loses traction, the torque will be sent to the wheel with less grip, which can reduce performance in slippery conditions.

• Limited-Slip Differential (LSD): Found in performance or off-road vehicles, this type limits the amount of slip between the wheels. It improves traction by delivering power to the wheel with more grip, especially useful in low-traction situations like snow, mud, or gravel.

• Locking Differential: Primarily used in trucks or off-road vehicles, this type locks the wheels together so that they both rotate at the same speed. This is beneficial in challenging off-road conditions where maximum traction is required.

• Torque-Vectoring Differential: Used in high-performance vehicles, this type actively distributes torque between the wheels based on steering input and road conditions, providing enhanced handling and stability.

Each type of differential serves a unique purpose, and understanding which one your vehicle has can help you better care for it.

Why Is Differential Maintenance Important?

Just like other parts of your vehicle, the differential requires routine maintenance to function properly. The most common issue that affects differentials is worn or insufficient differential fluid. The differential fluid lubricates the gears and helps keep the system cool during operation. Over time, the fluid can become contaminated with dirt and metal particles, reducing its effectiveness.

Failing to maintain your differential can lead to several issues, including:

• Excessive noise: A whining or grinding noise coming from the rear of the vehicle may indicate that your differential is low on fluid or that the gears are worn.
• Poor handling: If the differential is not working properly, your vehicle may struggle to make smooth turns, or you may experience difficulty steering.
• Increased wear on tires: A malfunctioning differential can cause uneven tire wear, leading to frequent tire replacements.

By scheduling regular differential inspections and fluid changes, you can extend the life of your vehicle’s drivetrain and ensure it operates smoothly.

How Often Should You Service the Differential?

The frequency of differential service depends on the type of vehicle you drive and how often you use it in demanding conditions. As a general rule of thumb, most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the differential fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, if you drive a truck or an SUV that regularly tows heavy loads or goes off-road, you may need more frequent servicing.

At Westar Tire & Alignment, we offer differential inspection and maintenance services to help keep your vehicle in optimal condition. Our experienced technicians can inspect your differential, check for any signs of wear or leaks, and replace the fluid if needed.

Trust Westar Tire & Alignment for Expert Differential Service in Anderson, SC

Your vehicle’s differential plays a critical role in maintaining smooth driving performance, especially when making turns. By staying on top of your differential’s maintenance needs, you can avoid costly repairs and extend the life of your vehicle’s drivetrain.

If you’re in Anderson, SC, and suspect your differential may need attention or if you’re due for a fluid change, trust Westar Tire & Alignment to handle all your differential service needs. Our team is equipped with the expertise and tools to keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can help maintain your vehicle’s differential.