Trivieri Service Centre
536 Carlton St St Catharines, ON L2M 6Z4 905-935-1910

Simple Answers from Trivieri Service Centre for St Catharines: Differential Service

Last Updated: Nov 19, 2019

Question:
What is a differential and why do St Catharines drivers need to have it serviced?

Trivieri Service Centre Answer:
First of all – your vehicle does have a differential. If it’s a rear wheel drive, your differential is on the back. If it’s front wheel drive, your differential is built into your transaxle (transmission). St Catharines drivers with all wheel drive or four wheel drive will have differentials front and rear and maybe one in between.

When you are steering through a turn at an intersection in St Catharines, the wheels on the outside of the vehicle have to spin faster than the inside wheels because they have to travel a slightly longer distant through the curve. The differential compensates for these speed differences between the wheels.

Because it is part of the vital equipment that transfers engine power to the wheels, the differential is working pretty hard. Differential fluid – a special heavy-duty oil, cools, lubricates and protects the differential. It needs to be replaced on a schedule to remove metal shavings and other contaminants. Note: if you have a front wheel drive vehicle, replacing your transmission fluid takes care of your differential service needs.

Differentials have become increasingly sophisticated for St Catharines drivers. Rather than the simple mechanical devices of yesteryear, they are more complicated and may actually be part of the vital computer controlled vehicle stability system. This means they are more pricey so it pays for St Catharines drivers to have them serviced on schedule at Trivieri Service Centre in St Catharines to avoid premature wear. Talk to your Trivieri Service Centre service advisor.

Stop by or give us a call.

Trivieri Service Centre
536 Carlton St
St Catharines, ON L2M 6Z4
905-935-1910


At Trivieri Service Centre we install quality NAPA replacement parts.