[GEOTITLE] [GEOADDRESSONE] [GEOADDRESSTWO] [GEOPHONE] Directions
Store Hours [GEOHOURSMONDAY] [GEOHOURSTUESDAY] [GEOHOURSWEDNSDAY] [GEOHOURSTHURSDAY] [GEOHOURSFRIDAY] [GEOHOURSSATURDAY] [GEOHOURSSUNDAY]
Current Location
[GEOTITLE] [GEOADDRESSONE] [GEOADDRESSTWO] [GEOPHONE] | Directions
Store Hours [GEOHOURSMONDAY] [GEOHOURSTUESDAY] [GEOHOURSWEDNSDAY] [GEOHOURSTHURSDAY] [GEOHOURSFRIDAY] [GEOHOURSSATURDAY] [GEOHOURSSUNDAY]
Go

News

30

Differential Service: Too Often Neglected by Drivers

posted on 12/30/2016 10:31:12 AM
Differential Service – Why Is It Important? 
 
Auto Repair Montgomery, AL
Of all the various things on a vehicle that need regular service and maintenance, the differential is too often neglected. But what exactly is it, and what does it do? 
 
Visualize a rear-wheel-drive vehicle making a right-hand turn. As the car turns to the right, the left rear wheel will have to actually cover a longer distance and spin at a different speed than the right wheel. If the rear axle was delivering the same torque to both wheels, the left rear wheel would be binding and skittering as it made the turn. The differential is designed to allow the wheels to turn at different speeds around corners, eliminating that problem. 
 
The differential uses an oil thicker than motor oil, somewhere between an oil and a grease in terms of its weight. Like any other assembly, though, the oil in the differential will become contaminated over time and will start to break down due to heat. Most differentials need a fluid change at about 50,000 miles. If left too long or if the fluid starts to run low, the differential will become noisy and can eventually fail. If that happens, the gears can seize, locking up the rear wheels and potentially causing a lot of damage or even an accident. 
 
Differentials have a fill hole, sometimes covered with a rubber plug that makes it easy to check the oil level. They don’t, however, have a drain plug, meaning that the only way to change the oil is to remove the differential’s rear cover. This is inevitably a messy job that’s best left to professionals. Remember also that on 4WD vehicles, there’s a second differential for the front wheels. For 4WD vehicles, it’s usually a good idea to perform service on both differentials and the transfer case at the same time. 
 
If you’re in need of any kind of oil-change service, whether it’s motor oil, transmission fluid flush or differential service, you can count on us. Your car’s fluids are too important to neglect – make an appointment with us, and make differential fluid service part of your car’s regular preventive maintenance schedule. 
Categories: Auto Repair 101 | View Count: (139) | Return

Related

Visit Our Shop

Contact Us

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (334) 263-3872
Fax:
Address: 408 Madison Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36104
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (334) 270-9825
Fax:
Address: 2700 Bell Road
Montgomery, AL 36117
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (334) 290-8176
Fax:
Address: 3775 Magnolia Dr
Millbrook, AL 36054
Email:
Phone: 334-285-6787
Fax:
Address: 4451 Coosada Road
Millbrook, AL 36054
Powered by Net Driven
Login

Auto Repair and Tire Services in Montgomery and Millbrook, AL

At Don Duncan’s All American Auto & Tire in Montgomery and Millbrook, AL, we proudly offer a wide range of auto repair and tire services. With unparalleled services from ASE-Certified experts, we provide quality work at an affordable price. Engine diagnostics, oil changes, wheel alignments, brake servicing, and A/C repairs are among a few of the services that we offer. Schedule an appointment online at either of our locations and experience the quality services and low prices for yourself. With quality brands like, Bridgestone, Firestone, and Michelin, you can use our tire finder to find your tires today! We're also the local choice for custom wheels from brands like American Racing, Eagle Alloys, Giovanna and more. Drive confidently with Don Duncan’s All American Auto & Tire in Montgomery and Millbrook, AL.