June 27, 2016
With front-wheel drive being so common these days in Loves Park, Illinois, the differential is just taken care of during a transmission service, so most Loves Park drivers don't even have to think about it. And rear-wheel drive differentials don't need to be serviced for years, so it's understandable that it's not something on the top of Loves Park customers' minds. It's not uncommon for drivers to not know they have a differential let alone know that it needs service.
Call Tuffy Rockford in Loves Park at 815.639.1239 for information about differential service, or stop by our Loves Park, Illinois, auto center at 6574 E. Riverside, 61111.
To better understand what a differential does, think about our local Loves Park high school track. There are lanes marked off on the track. For the longer distance races, the starting lines are staggered. The starting lines for the outside lanes are ahead of the starting lines for the inside lanes. That's to compensate for the longer length of the outside lanes. Staggering the starting lines means that each runner has the same distance to run.
The differential compensates for the difference in speeds between the inside wheel and the outside wheel in a turn, because they have to travel together through slightly different distances.
It's a very important function. When you think of it, all the power to get a vehicle moving goes through the differential. Most cars in the Loves Park, Illinois area weigh between 3,000 and 6,000 pounds (1,400 and 2,800 kg) – trucks even more. The power from the engine goes through the transmission and then through the differential to the drive wheels.
That's a lot of work and requires very heavy duty parts. And those parts need protection. The differential fluid lubricates the gears in the differential and keeps them cool.
The fluid eventually gets dirty and worn down. Some kinds of differentials require special additives that break down over time. So vehicle manufacturers recommend intervals for replacing your differential fluid.
The professionals at Tuffy Rockford will drain the used fluid and check it out for metal bits, which could be a sign of excessive wear on the gears. Then they’ll replace the fluid and install the additives if necessary.
Your Tuffy Rockford service advisor can look up the vehicle manufacture's recommended service interval or you can check your owner's manual. Give us a call at 815.639.1239 for more information about your differential service.
Tuffy Rockford
6574 E. Riverside
Loves Park, Illinois 61111
815.639.1239
January 5, 2025
Theres an important part in your vehicle that shields your timing belt, timing chain or cam belt from the debris and gunk that can be kicked up from the road. Its called the timing cover. Its important because the timing belt or chain is what coordinates parts of your engine called the camshaft... More
December 29, 2024
If you've ever had a flat tire, then you know welcome it is to have a spare tire that is properly inflated, in good shape and easy to get to. Problem is many of us don't even give our spare tire (if we even have one) a second thought. If you have an SUV or truck with a spare, it may be mounted o... More
December 22, 2024
As the temperatures dip, we all know there could be problems starting our vehicles. After all, batteries can grow old and not hold a charge as well as when they were newer. Or starters can go bad. But there's one more component to keep an especially sharp eye on during winter: your alternator. T... More
When would you like to see this opportunity again?