Are you familiar with your vehicle’s differential system? Not all vehicle’s owners are, and it is actually a very important component. It is another one of your vehicle’s vital systems that runs on fluid, and so the question is, does your differential fluid ever need to be replaced? First, let’s look at what exactly your vehicle’s differential system does. 

When your vehicle turns corners, the wheel on the outside of the turn is covering more ground than the wheel that is on the inside of the car. The differential has the job of compensating for this difference, by splitting the engine torque to allow for each wheel to spin at a different speed according to your vehicle’s needs. This just helps ensure proper control and operation of your vehicle.

The differential system uses thick fluid to help keep it lubricated. It is typically recommend that this fluid is exchanged periodically, typically around every 30,000 miles. However, your vehicle’s owner’s manual will outline the correct interval for how often the differential fluid should be replaced. 

Over time, differential fluids gets very dirty and will start to clog and affect the overall performance of the differential. There are certain signs that can indicate that your vehicle might be due for a differential or gear oil exchange, and those symptoms include the following: 

• Whining noises when turning
• Transmission slipping
• Burning smell

If you suspect that you might be due for a differential fluid exchange, don’t hesitate to bring your vehicle into the experts here at Broad Stroke or give us a call today!