Your auto differential is a specific system in your car, but KC Martin has decades of specialized experience in repairing and servicing it. If you need help with your vehicle differential, bring in your car so that we can take a look and give you an affordable, accurate estimate!

The differential diffuses the power to the wheels while allowing outside and inside drive wheels to rotate at various speeds. Differentials have gears that allocate the power from the drive train to the car's wheels – which is why it's sometimes called "gear boxes". These gears are strong, but they need to be properly protected so that they’ll last.

For the non-driven wheels on your car --front wheels on a rear-wheel drive car, back wheels on a front-wheel drive car -- differential is not necessary. Since there is no connection between them those wheels they can spin independently. But the driven wheels are linked to ensure a single engine and transmission can turn both wheels.

Therefore if you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, your car's differential is called a "transaxle" and will be in the front. If you have rear-wheel drive, the differential is toward the back of the car. For four-wheel drive vehicles, you will have differentials in both the front and the back – and in the middle as well. The center differential adjusts for differences in speed between the front and rear wheels. The differential in your car can get quite complicated.

Differential fluid lubricates and cools down the gears. With increasing mileage the fluid can get dirty from bits of the gears grinding off. Also the additives that keep the fluid clean and protect the differential break down over time. So your vehicle manufacturer has scheduled intervals for you to have your differential fluid changed.

There are several types of differentials. At KC Martin Transmissions- we work on all of them. It is important to bring in your vehicle as soon as you see any differential issue. Or, if your manual suggests this type of service, schedule your appointement today!