Differential? What’s that? And what’s it for? I’ve been told I need to get it serviced, but is that on the level? Or am I getting charged for something bogus?

Do these questions sound familiar? They’re not uncommon. A lot of us don’t know what a differential is or what it’s for. Every vehicle has a differential, and, yes, it does need to be serviced. In fact, it’s more critical to the operation of your car than the air conditioner or windshield wipers.

A differential allows your tires to move at different speeds. This happens more than you think. The best example is when a vehicle is turning. The inside wheel travels a much shorter distance than the outside wheel during a turn. This means the outside wheel must move faster than the inside wheel. Without a differential, your tires would hop and skip while turning. They would also lose traction in sand or snow.

Properly servicing your differential will extend its life and keep you out of the repair shop. A smooth ride is the result of proper preparation and smart choices.