If you don’t know what your differential is, don’t worry. We won’t tell anybody. But you should know that your differential fluid needs to be replaced at regular intervals to keep your vehicle running healthy. If your vehicle is due for a change, Leave Worry Behind® and get your vehicle to a Jiffy Lube® for a differential service as soon as possible. The Jiffy Lube Technicians at Jiffy Lube can quickly diagnose the problem and get you back on the road safely.
The differential is a gearbox located between the drive wheels on your vehicle. Most four-wheel drive vehicles have both a front and rear differential. Differentials work with your transmission to deliver power from your engine to the axle that turns your wheels.
Lubricating fluid inside the differential transfers heat away from the gears, helping to preserve the life and performance of your differential. Over time though, operating temperatures and wear can cause the fluid to break down. When the fluid breaks down, becomes contaminated or leaks occur, the gears inside may not work smoothly because of increased friction and heat. If the gears start to grind, continued driving can cause costly repairs.
The differential also makes turning possible. The outside wheels of your vehicle must rotate faster than the inside wheels when turning. Using a series of gears, the differential allows each side to turn at different speeds, enabling better vehicle control.
First, Jiffy Lube® technicians discuss signs and symptoms of differential fluid breakdown to help diagnose the problem. Then, if necessary, they remove the old differential fluid and replace it with new fluid that meets your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
Please note: Not all Jiffy Lube® service centres offer Differential Services. Please call ahead to ensure the services are available. Find Your Jiffy Lube now