What is the best time to change differential oil? What is differential oil exactly?
The differential is an important part of the vehicle and many drivers don’t know what it does. It isn’t one of the most frequently failing parts like the transmission or radiator. The differential is an integral part of the rear or front axle assembly and plays an important role in the vehicle’s operation.
Do you remember the athletes who competed in the Olympics? All competitors begin in their own lane for the 400-meter Olympic run. However, after a while, they start to cluster towards the innermost track. There is only one lane within 400 meters of the runway. If all the competitors run in their own lane the competitor in the outermost track will need to run 408m. Thus, the race begins 8 meters earlier than the competitor in the innermost lane.
It is the same for vehicles turning corners. The distance between the outer and inner wheels travels is different when the car turns corners. Although this difference is small, cars can be very fragile and could end up being seriously damaged. The differential’s purpose is to allow the wheels to turn at different speeds in corners, and to stabilize the vehicle.
What is Differential Oil and How Does It Work?
For the differential to perform at its maximum performance, it needs to use differential oil. This oil, also called gear oil, is used to cool and lubricate the differential’s gears and prevent them rubbing against each others. Gear oil is not designed to work at high temperatures as engine oil, but rather under high pressure. Similar to engine oils, but thicker.
There are two types. The first is mineral oils which are natural and crude oil-based. The second is synthetic oils that are made in laboratories. Synthetic differential oils, like all synthetic oils, can be refined for maximum performance.
The vehicle type will determine the position of the differential. In front-wheel drive cars, it is part of the differential gearbox. These vehicles do not require differential oil changes as they use the same fluid as the transmission. The transmission oil should be changed on a regular basis.
The rear-wheel drive vehicle’s differential is located in the middle. It needs to be replaced periodically.
The four-wheel drive vehicle, which has been favored by many in recent years, can have more than one differential. These vehicles have three different differentials: front and rear, as well as a transmission shaft.
What is the best time to change differential oil?
Automotive manufacturers recommend that the differential oil be changed every 50,000-100,000 km. For the correct service interval, it is recommended to consult your vehicle’s maintenance manual.
It is difficult to change the differential oil. A professional mechanic should do it. After the oil has been drained, it is necessary to lift the vehicle and clean the interior. The filter on differential oil is not required, but it must be changed to prevent oil from leaking. Leakage can cause the oil to become low and the gears may start to squeak.
If you don’t change your differential oil regularly, the meta-metal friction in the differential will increase and the gears can be worn. This could lead to costly differential failures.
