Download Article Show Download Article The gears inside your car's differential enable the drive wheels to spin at the right speed when you step on the gas pedal and at different rates when you turn a corner. The gears are coated with a film of oil that protects the hardened steel layer on their teeth from friction wear. Periodically, the differential gear oil must be checked to be sure there is enough to protect the differential. As a general rule of thumb, you should check your car's rear differential fluid every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.[1] Things You Should Know
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement Add New Question
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement ReferencesAbout This ArticleArticle SummaryX The gears inside of your car’s differential let the drive wheels spin at the right speed when you step on the gas. These gears are coated with a film of oil that protects them from wear. You’ll need to check the differential gear oil every 30 to 50 thousand miles to make sure there’s enough to protect the differential. Park your car on a level surface, jack up the wheels, and place stands under them so the car is off the ground. To check the rear differential, look for the pumpkin-shaped metal object between the rear wheels. Use a drive ratchet to open the service port. Put 1 finger into the port to see if you can feel the gear oil. If the fluid doesn’t reach the port, it’s too low. To learn how to add differential gear oil to your car, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 162,120 times. Reader Success Stories
Did this article help you?What happens when differential fluid is low?Without differential fluid, the differential would overheat due to metal-on-metal contact. That means it would burn itself out and possibly cause safety issues and require expensive repairs.
How long does it take to change rear differential fluid?DIFFERENTIAL SERVICES
Our certified technicians can perform this service in about 10 minutes – while you wait in the convenience of your car. Plus, you could save between 30% to 50% versus the dealership. Many auto manufacturers recommend replacing differential fluid at regularly scheduled intervals.
Does changing the differential fluid make a difference?It is an important but routine long-term maintenance action necessary to keep the vehicle running for 200,000+ miles. That said, “most modern vehicles” can probably run for 100,000 miles if the differential fluid is never changed.
|