What Is a Differential?
Your vehicle's differential is part of its transmission system. The front and rear differentials allow the drive wheels of your vehicle that are on the same front or rear axle to rotate at different speeds by transferring power from your vehicle's engine. This is important when your vehicle is turning; the wheel on the outside must rotate faster than those on the inside to achieve this. The differential is located in the transmission assembly in front-wheel drive vehicles, and in rear-wheel drive vehicles, it is located between the rear wheels.
There are four types of differentials, including:
- Open differential: This differential is often found in economy cars and family sedans, and splits the engine torque into two outputs. The wheels in an open differential can rotate at different speeds.
- Locking differential: Most common in Jeep Wranglers and most full-size trucks, a locking differential has connected wheels that turn at the same speed.
- Torque-vectoring differential: This differential tweaks the torque delivered to each drive wheel, making it possible to quicken or slow down the car's rotation around the corner.
- Limited-slip differential: A limited-slip differential is a combination of the open and locking differentials. It can be found in sports vehicles such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Nissan 370Z.
Like most parts of your vehicle, keeping your differential lubricated with differential fluid to prevent the metal parts from scraping together is important. It is also imperative that you bring your vehicle in for a differential service as part of your vehicle's regular maintenance. The duration of your maintenance can be found in your vehicle's owner's manual, but we at Smith Automotive in Polk can send you reminders when your vehicle needs servicing. In addition to differential service, we also offer services such as Diagnostics and Engine Repair.
Your Quality Shop for Differential Service
If you are in or near Altoona, IA Ankeny, IA, Des Moines, IA, Norwalk, IA, or Pleasant Hill, IA, come to Smith Automotive for your go-to differential service shop. Our technicians have decades of combined experience and will ensure that your vehicle is working properly again. We've been fixing cars since 2008 and have repaired hundreds of vehicles from Honda, Nissan, Acura, Dodge, and more.
Reasons You Should Do Business With Us:
Don't hesitate to bring your car to Smith Automotive in Pleasant Hill, IA 50327, today! You can schedule an appointment with us online or give us a call at 515-265-4141. Smith Automotive - Your go-to team for all your automotive needs.