If you’re a car enthusiast, especially about four-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles, you may be familiar with locking differentials. But if you’re anything like me, you didn’t know what they were or what they did until your dad started taking you out for off-roading adventures. Until you know how they work, when to and why use them, the button that controls them will sit unused on your dashboard.
In a FWD or AWD vehicle, each wheel generally gets power independently. This allows the wheels to turn at different speeds, such as when turning a corner. Normally, this is very helpful for vehicle control, but there are certain situations where it’s not the best option.
Locking differentials are a lifesaver if you find yourself driving over uneven or difficult terrain. They are the difference between having a fun story to tell everyone later and having to sheepishly call someone to help you get your vehicle unstuck.
What Are Locking Differentials?
The complicated answer is that locking differentials affect the torque directed to your wheels to prevent them from spinning uselessly when you get stuck. According to Chevrolet, engaging them “lets you lock wheels [on the same axle] together on their axle, forcing them to turn at the same rate.”
Put simply, locking differentials help you to avoid getting stuck when driving on difficult terrain because it sends more power to your wheels all at once.
Why Would You Need Locking Differentials?
City driving generally doesn’t call for any fancy features. However, you’re not always going to be driving paved and well-maintained roads. Sometimes you might take your vehicle out to areas with difficult terrain. This is where locking differentials come in. Engaging them allows the car to compensate in situations where one of your wheels has less traction than the other. For example, if you’re stuck in soft dirt or if one of your tires is stuck in the air.
How Do You Turn This Feature On?
This answer depends quite a bit on what kind of car you have. Many vehicles designed for rough terrain, like Jeeps and Grenadiers, have a physical button labeled “locking differentials” that you push to engage. Cars like my Subaru, a step down from overlanding vehicles, generally include them in their “sport mode.” Engaging that feature automatically activates them, as well as other features designed to compensate for uneven terrain.
Reference your car’s driver manual to figure out where the locking differential control is located.
Sources
How to Use Locking Differentials, Chevrolet.
The post What Are Locking Differentials? How It Can Improve Off-Road Driving appeared first on Family Handyman.
Article source here: What Are Locking Differentials? How It Can Improve Off-Road Driving
No comments:
Post a Comment