Back to all

Differential Service at Complete Auto Center Pro

March 26, 2014


Here at AutoNetTV, we have national viewers, like your neighbors in Waterford, who write to us with questions or feedback. One common question we're asked is: "What is a differential and what does it do?" You may have been told by your Complete Auto Center Pro service advisor that your differential needs serviced, or seen it as an option up on the service menu. Differential service at Complete Auto Center Pro covers a lot of things, so let's first talk about what a differential does.

As you drive through a turn, your outside wheels and inside wheels turn at different speeds. Kind of like the cars going around a race track - the ones driving in the outside lanes have a greater distance to travel than the cars in the inside lanes. The differential is what allows the outside and inside drive wheels to rotate at slightly different speeds so that the tires don't hop or skip while taking corners, or lose traction in dirt or snow on Detroit area roads. Differentials have gears in them that transfer the power from the drive train to your wheels - which is why they're often referred to as gear boxes. The gears need to be very strong to do this work, and they need to be properly protected so that they'll last.

All vehicles in Waterford have some form of differential. If you have a front-wheel drive car, your differential is sometimes called a transaxle and is located in the front. If you have rear-wheel drive, the differential is in the back of the car. Waterford auto owners with a four-wheel drive vehicle have a differential in the front and the back - and in the middle as well. The center differential adjusts for differences in speed between the front and rear wheels.

Differential fluid lubricates and cools the gears. Over time, the fluid can get dirty from bits of the gears grinding off. The additives that keep the fluid clean and protect the differential break down over time. So your vehicle manufacturer has scheduled intervals for you to have your differential fluid changed. Talk to your friendly and knowledgeable Complete Auto Center Pro service advisor if you are not sure about your recommended schedule.

Complete Auto Center Pro
5100 Dixie Hwy
Waterford, MI 48329
248.623.1400

Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Complete Auto Center Pro

Trip Inspection at Complete Auto Center Pro in Waterford

March 28, 2021

Waterford area drivers love their vehicles. And one of the most enjoyable things about them is taking a road trip. Freedom from daily schedules, new sights and the open road it's great! But there's nothing like vehicle trouble to bring the fun to a grinding halt.Now Waterford drivers can't alwa... More

Fuel Filter Service in Waterford, MI

March 21, 2021

There are a surprising number of small, inexpensive parts that can lead to expensive engine damage when they fail. It doesn't seem right.Fortunately a lot of those things can be taken care of in routine maintenance. They may not be easy to remember because it is a long list, but your service cent... More

Automotive Tips from Complete Auto Center Pro: Causes of Wheel Misalignment

March 14, 2021

When properly aligned, all of your wheels are pointed in the same direction. Your vehicle will track true and handle the way it is designed. Waterford drivers often associate our wheels being knocked out of alignment with an event like a major crash, hitting a pothole, curb or some other object. ... More