Todd's South End Car Care
5368 Inglis St Halifax, NS B3H 1J5 902-425-2400

Simple Answers from Todd's South End Car Care for Halifax: Differential Service

Last Updated: Jul 01, 2025

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

Todd's South End Car Care 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). Halifax 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 Halifax, 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 Halifax 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 Halifax drivers to have them serviced on schedule at Todd's South End Car Care in Halifax to avoid premature wear. Talk to your Todd's South End Car Care service advisor.

Stop by or give us a call.

Todd's South End Car Care
5368 Inglis St
Halifax, NS B3H 1J5
902-425-2400


At Todd's South End Car Care we install quality NAPA replacement parts.