What Is a Differential and Do You Have One?
April 29, 2017
With front-wheel drive being so common these days in Saginaw, TX, the differential is just taken care of during a transmission service, so most Saginaw drivers don't even have to think about it. And rear-wheel drive differentials don't need to be serviced for years, so it's understandable that it's not something on the top of Saginaw customers' minds. It's not uncommon for drivers to not know they have a differential let alone know that it needs service.
Call Kwik Kar Saginaw in Saginaw at 817-231-1700 for information about differential service, or stop by our Saginaw, TX, auto center at 1216 S. Blue Mound Rd., 76131.
To better understand what a differential does, think about our local Saginaw high school track. There are lanes marked off on the track. For the longer distance races, the starting lines are staggered. The starting lines for the outside lanes are ahead of the starting lines for the inside lanes. That's to compensate for the longer length of the outside lanes. Staggering the starting lines means that each runner has the same distance to run.
The differential compensates for the difference in speeds between the inside wheel and the outside wheel in a turn, because they have to travel together through slightly different distances.
It's a very important function. When you think of it, all the power to get a vehicle moving goes through the differential. Most cars in the Saginaw, TX area weigh between 3,000 and 6,000 pounds (1,400 and 2,800 kg) – trucks even more. The power from the engine goes through the transmission and then through the differential to the drive wheels.
That's a lot of work and requires very heavy duty parts. And those parts need protection. The differential fluid lubricates the gears in the differential and keeps them cool.
The fluid eventually gets dirty and worn down. Some kinds of differentials require special additives that break down over time. So vehicle manufacturers recommend intervals for replacing your differential fluid.
The professionals at Kwik Kar Saginaw will drain the used fluid and check it out for metal bits, which could be a sign of excessive wear on the gears. Then they’ll replace the fluid and install the additives if necessary.
Your Kwik Kar Saginaw service advisor can look up the vehicle manufacture's recommended service interval or you can check your owner's manual. Give us a call at 817-231-1700 for more information about your differential service.
Kwik Kar Saginaw
1216 S. Blue Mound Rd.
Saginaw, TX 76131
817-231-1700
http://www.kwikkarsaginaw.com
Need Service?
More articles from Kwik Kar Saginaw
Do you have a Clue (Get the Most Out of a Service Visit)
September 7, 2025
When you head to the doctor, you probably have it in your mind what you're going to say about why you don't feel good. That way your doctor can use that information to diagnose your problem. You might want to think of that same approach when you take your vehicle in for a repair. Experts say wha... More
When Your Air Bag Light Comes On (Illuminated Air Bag Light)
September 1, 2025
There are some dashboard lights you should pay more attention to than others. One is the air bag light. If it's on and your vehicle is in an accident, your air bags probably won't do their job. Automakers began installing air bags in the late 1990's since they were mandatory in the United State... More
Sniffing Out a Problem
August 25, 2025
Your parents probably taught you to have common sense. When it comes to your vehicle, common scents can also come in handy. Different smells may tell you about some conditions in your vehicle that need attention. For example, you know what rotten eggs smell like. If you smell them around your ve... More