Malesbaca.com – Car differential maintenance is crucial to prevent early damage. Make sure to change the differential oil regularly, avoid slippery roads that can cause tire slippage, and always use tires with the same specifications on both sides. Discover the full guide on how to maintain your car differential and keep it in top condition in this article.
The car differential is a vital component of the vehicle’s drivetrain system that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Its location can vary depending on the type of drive—front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel. In sedans, the differential is often integrated with the transmission block.
Maintaining the differential properly is essential to avoid premature wear and ensure optimal performance. One of the simplest ways to maintain a car differential is by regularly changing the differential oil based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Larger vehicles typically use SAE 140 oil, while smaller cars often require SAE 90. If neglected, a damaged differential may produce humming or rumbling noises that can be quite annoying.
Daftar Isi:
Common Causes of Car Differential Damage
Differential damage can stem from several issues. To avoid them, watch out for the following causes:
1. Frequent Tire Slippage
Tires that often slip, especially on slippery or muddy roads, create excess friction inside the differential. Over time, this leads to faster wear of internal components.
2. Poor Quality Differential Oil
Using low-quality or incorrect differential oil results in subpar lubrication. This increases internal friction and accelerates wear and tear.
3. Low or Dry Differential Oil
Insufficient or completely dry differential oil causes direct metal-on-metal contact inside, which leads to overheating and rapid damage.
4. Different Tire Brands on Each Side
Using different tire brands on the left and right sides causes uneven grip levels, which can result in unbalanced wheel rotation and strain the differential in the long run.
How to Maintain a Car Differential for Long-Term Durability
To keep your car’s differential in good condition and avoid early failure, follow these tips:
1. Avoid Roads That Cause Tire Slippage
As much as possible, steer clear of slippery or muddy roads that might cause your tires to lose traction. If unavoidable, drive cautiously and avoid sudden acceleration.
2. Don’t Force the Car When Tires Slip
If your tires slip, don’t force the car forward by pressing the gas pedal excessively. This can create more internal friction and damage the differential components.
3. Use Identical Tires on Both Sides
Ensure that the tires on both the left and right sides are of the same brand and model. Differences in tire specs can lead to traction imbalance and affect the differential’s performance.
4. Check and Replace Differential Oil Regularly
Routinely inspect the differential oil to ensure it’s at the proper level and still in good condition. Ideally, differential oil should be changed every 10,000 km or based on your vehicle manual.
5. Use Differential Oil That Matches Manufacturer Specs
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for gear oil type. Most vehicles use SAE 90 or SAE 140 depending on the size and design of the drivetrain system.
By following these differential maintenance tips, you can prevent premature damage and keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently.
