Question:
What is a differential and why do Kingston car owners need to have it serviced?

Car Medics’ Answer:
First of all – your vehicle does have a differential.  If it’s a rear wheel drive, your differential is on the back. If it’s front wheel drive, your differential is built into your transaxle (transmission).  Kingston auto owners with all wheel drive or four wheel drive will have differentials front and rear and maybe one in between.

When you are steering through a turn at an intersection in Kingston, the wheels on the outside of the pickup have to spin faster than the inside wheels because they have to travel a slightly longer distant through the curve. The differential compensates for these speed differences between the wheels.

Because it is part of the key equipment that transfers engine power to the wheels, the differential is working pretty hard.  Differential fluid – a special heavy-duty oil – cools, lubricates and protects the differential. It needs to be replaced on a schedule to remove metal shavings and other contaminants.  Note: if you have a front wheel drive vehicle, replacing your transmission fluid takes care of your differential service needs.

Differentials have become increasingly sophisticated for Kingston drivers. Rather than the simple mechanical devices of yesteryear, they are more complicated and may actually be part of the key computer controlled pickup stability system. This means they are more expensive so it pays for Kingston motorists to have them serviced on schedule at Car Medics Inc in Kingston to avoid premature wear. Talk to your understanding Car Medics Inc service professional.

At Car Medics Inc, we provide quality automotive service including transmission service, water pump replacement and wheel bearing service.

Give us a call

Car Medics
37 Rigney St
Kingston, ON K7K 6Z3
613-547-8473

At Car Medics Inc we install quality NAPA replacement parts.