What the Differential Does
As you drive your vehicle to and from work or out running errands around town, you'll likely have to make plenty of turns throughout the journey. Each time you turn, the wheels on the outer edge have to travel just a bit farther than those on the inside of the turn because they are farther away from the center of the rotation. Because of this, the outer wheels have to rotate a little bit faster than the inner wheels. It is the differential that controls the power and speed of each wheel, so you can see how important this component truly is.
In a front-wheel drive vehicle, the differential is located in the center of the front axle. For rear-wheel drive, it is on the back axle. For vehicles with four-wheel or all-wheel drive, both axles have differentials, as well as a transfer case in the center of the two to regulate speed differences between the front and back wheels. Your auto technician will have to lift your vehicle to gain access to the differential, so maintaining it is a task best left to the professionals.
Differential Services from our Milwaukee Service Center
 ÂIf you have absolutely no idea what the differential in your vehicle does, you are certainly not alone. It is one of those components that most people never give a second thought unless something goes wrong. However, ignoring your differential could be setting you up for disaster. Allow us to explain.
Amato Blog
John Amato Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
5900 N Green Bay Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53209-3810
- Sales: 414-410-3535
- Service: 414-751-0530
- Parts: 414-410-9492
Service Hours
- Monday 07:00AM - 05:30PM
- Tuesday 07:00AM - 05:30PM
- Wednesday 07:00AM - 05:30PM
- Thursday 07:00AM - 05:30PM
- Friday 07:00AM - 05:30PM
- Saturday 08:00AM - 03:00PM
- Sunday Closed
Differential Service in Milwaukee and the Surrounding Areas
When you are in need of a differential service in the Greater Milwaukee area, including Glendale, Lincoln Park, and Thurston Woods, you can trust the experts here at John Amato Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. When you bring your vehicle to us for differential service, we'll start with a thorough inspection to determine exactly what is needed. In most cases, we'll simply need to flush and restock your differential fluid. For most vehicles, you'll need to have this done every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on your specific make and model. This fluid keeps the gears in the differential lubricated so that they operate smoothly.
What Happens if I Don't Change the Differential Fluid?
If you don't change your differential fluid as needed, it could result in premature wear and tear on the differential. This could lead you to have to replace the part entirely, which will cost a lot more than simply changing the fluid every few years. In addition, if your differential fails while you are driving, you could lose the ability to safely control your vehicle, especially when going around turns. Not only that, but you could be at risk of damaging other components, like the axles, driveshaft, and even the transmission, potentially resulting in even more costly repairs. So, don't delay. Stop by and see us today for differential service, or call to make a service appointment.
