Feeling puzzled? No need to fret, if you're unfamiliar with what a differential is – you soon will be. The truth is, if you drive a car, you have a differential. It doesn’t matter if your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive; all of them include a differential.

What is a Differential?

Unsurprisingly, the primary function of a differential is to account for variations; specifically, the differences in wheel speed when navigating turns. For example, think about taking a corner near your home. Your inside wheel has a shorter distance to cover than the outside wheel during the turn. This means that your outside wheel must rotate faster to match the inside wheel’s pace.

The differential enables the wheels to rotate at different speeds while still delivering power to your vehicle. Without it, tires would scrub and hop across the pavement during turns, much like the early cars did.

Have you ever noticed the prominent bulge in the middle of the rear axle on trucks? That's the differential at work. Rear-wheel drive vehicles feature a differential at the back. Most four-wheel drive trucks and SUVs are equipped with a similar differential on the front axle as well. In a front-wheel drive vehicle, the differential is referred to as a transaxle because it combines both the differential and the transmission into one unit. An all-wheel drive vehicle will utilize a differential or transfer case that adjusts for speed discrepancies between the front and rear drive wheels.

Differential Repair in South Beloit

While it may seem a bit intricate to some drivers, it's clear that all of the engine's power flows through your differentials. They are robust enough to manage the demand, but – as we’ve mentioned before – they must be properly lubricated to maintain their strength. Therefore, it is essential to plan for a differential service at Integrity Auto Care in South Beloit from time to time. During this service, the used fluid is drained and replaced with fresh fluid. Some recommend that specific differentials have special additives incorporated. Ensure your differential is serviced at Integrity Auto Care in South Beloit.