It’s easy to appreciate the smooth turn your car makes as it rounds the corner. The differential allows the wheels to turn at different speeds. Each wheel is powered independently of the other by the engine through the drive train.
If both wheels were forced to turn at the same speed, one of them would slip. If you’re going into a right-hand turn, the wheels on the right are the inside wheels. The left is considered the outside. Since they are closer to the turn, the inside wheels have a shorter distance to travel and move slower than the outside. Those on the outside make a wider arc and move faster to keep up with the inside wheels. The differential makes up the difference in gear ratio.
Most people forget that the differential’s oil needs to be changed about every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. The next time you’re in Williston, ND, stop by Red Rock Ford. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.