5 Reasons to Get Differential Service at Your Dealership

Every time you make a smooth turn in your Acura, you have your differential to thank. The differential provides traction and stability when cornering, and routine maintenance keeps it functioning properly. When your Acura is due for differential service, the best place to go is your Acura dealership.

1. Ensure Optimal Control and Handling

Your differential regulates the distribution of torque to the wheels when your vehicle turns. This is important because your car’s outer wheels must travel farther than the inner wheels to get around a corner. The differential compensates for the difference so you can make the turn smoothly. If your differential isn’t working properly, your vehicle may be harder to control, especially when turning. You may notice pulling or instability when going around corners.

2. Reduce Gear Wear and Tear

Differential fluid lubricates your differential’s moving parts, just like motor oil does for your engine. When differential fluid is low or contaminated, the increased friction between the gears causes them to wear out faster. A common sign of this is a grinding sound when turning or accelerating. Friction also produces metal shavings, and since differential oil isn’t filtered like motor oil, this debris can build up and make the problem worse.

3. Prevent Overheating

When your differential fluid is low and the gears aren’t properly lubricated, the constant grinding of metal against metal can create a dangerous amount of heat. Putting too much stress on your vehicle can contribute to this as well. If you’re routinely pushing your Acura past its limits by towing too much weight, driving too fast, or letting the wheels spin out, your differential may be at risk of overheating.

4. Protect Other Components

When your differential doesn’t do its job, it affects other parts of your vehicle, such as your tires. Normally, your differential helps prevent excessive tire wear by providing balanced traction during turns. Without this stability, your tires can wear unevenly and might need to be replaced sooner. Your drivetrain can also be affected by a faulty differential. In rare cases, the differential can seize and damage your transmission or other drivetrain components.

5. Avoid an Accident

A properly functioning differential helps keep you in control. In a worst-case scenario, a faulty differential could cause your vehicle to skid and crash, especially when cornering on wet or icy roads. If your Acura is showing symptoms of a differential problem, it’s important to call your dealership right away, as delaying service could put your safety at risk.

Differential maintenance is vital to your Acura’s performance and longevity. For quality service from skilled technicians, contact Ed Martin Acura in Indianapolis, IN to make an appointment today.

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