All You Need to Know About Differential Fluid in Your Car

When it comes to car maintenance, there are is a lot to keep an eye on. There is a schedule to follow on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Maintaining car differential fluid should be a part of this regimen. Differential fluid, also known as differential oil or gear oil, is as important as engine oil or brake oil. However, it is common for the car differential fluid to be ignored because it goes in the axle housing under the car. Nevertheless, this negligence can lead to bigger problems over time. 

This guide will help you understand what differential fluid is, what it does for your car and why it is important to change it as recommended. 

Signs of Low Differential Fluid

Differential oil is one of the essential car fluids. A low differential fluid level is noticeable because you might feel unusual noises or friction between the gears. Be alert about any difference you may notice and inspect instantly. You can reduce car noises by adding differential oil.

• Unusual tire spinning: Low differential fluid may cause the tires to spin abnormally and hence causes serious damage to the vehicle. This damage can lead to accidents that can be fatal, so be attentive.
• Unusual vibration: If you begin to notice unusual vibrations in your vehicle, then that could also be your differential telling you that it needs oil. To avoid any accident, it would be best to take your vehicle to a professional service provider and fix the issues.
• Unusual noises and smell: Pay attention to sounds and burning smell, as well. Your car may end up making some whining sounds, and that could be because of increased friction in the differentials. Also, there might be a leak from the gearbox. 

These symptoms are enough reasons to take your car for a professional inspection. 

Process to Check Car Differential Fluid

It is always a good idea to check the level of differential fluid in case you find any of the aforementioned symptoms or an external differential leak. If you have an all-wheel-drive, a rear-wheel drive or a four-wheel drive, there is a chance that your car differential fluid is under the vehicle. You can follow this process to check the differential fluid. 

If you wish to check gear oil at home, make sure you have the necessary items such as gloves, manuals, oil drain pan, and safety glasses. Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Firstly, you should find the fill plug of the differential. Generally, it is located on the differential front cover and is usually square or hexagonal.
• Step 2: Then you need to release the plug. Once the plug has loosened, place the oil drain pan below the differential. 
• Step 3: You may require a ratchet to help with releasing the plug. 
• Step 4: Once you have successfully unfastened the plug, the fluid will come out. If it doesn’t, the fluid level is low, therefore you need to add it. 

Please note that don’t forget to consult professional help, in case you can’t change the differential fluid in a vehicle. You can dubizzle’s listing of auto accessories and parts for sale in Dubai if you wish to buy differential fluid and other auto parts.

Add Car Differential Fluid

Add the new differential fluid and make sure it is properly filled. It is better to check first if you’re using the appropriate type of fluid according to your vehicle. Re-fit the differential plug, and you’re good to go. 

Frequency of Changing the Car differential Fluid

The car differential fluid is quite long-lasting. Its change and servicing depending on how much you have driven the vehicle. The auto differential fluid gets weary usually after around 30-60 thousand km. It is recommended to have the differential fluid changed by a professional because it needs to be cleaned properly before the new fluid is poured in. 

Importance of Changing Car Differential Fluid

The differential, commonly known as the gearbox, is responsible for distributing power among the wheels when the vehicle is turning. It is a part of the drivetrain and comprises several components such as gears, pinions and rings. These components are prone to heating up due to friction. The damage caused by heat and friction can lead to a severe fault that might require expensive repair. 

The differential fluid prevents such damage by keeping the components lubricated. That is why it is important to make sure there is always enough of this fluid in the gearbox, and it is replaced before it becomes useless. 

You can change the differential fluid of your vehicle yourself if you have the necessary tools with you. Or you can simply go for a hassle-free option, i.e., to have a professional take care of it for you.

FAQs

When to change the differential fluid in your car?

Car differential fluid gets weary usually around 30 to 60 thousand km driven; however, this job must be handled by expert technicians. 

Do you need to change the differential fluid?

Like engine oil, a differential fluid of a car also needs a little gearbox maintenance at regular intervals. You can also check the car’s manual for the exact frequency. 

What are the symptoms of low differential fluid?

Unusual tire spinning, gears grinding, whining sounds and strange damages on the sidewall of the tires are some of the common signs of low differential fluid.

This concludes our guide on differential fluids. The differentials are an essential part of your vehicle. Maintain them well and pay close attention to any symptom that may lead to a bigger problem. It may lead to some serious issues. If you face car issues despite regular maintenance, it may be a good time to consider buying a used car in Dubai at affordable rates.

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