AWD and 4WD drivetrain systems were revolutionary for the automobile industry. Rotating different tyres at different speeds at the same time enables car manufacturers to overcome many hurdles. However, all of this is possible because of differentials in AWD and 4WD cars.
In this guide, we will provide you with complete details about differentials in AWD Vs 4WD cars, their working and usage.
What is a Differential in Vehicles?
The differential is a set of gears located at the centre of axles. The main purpose of a differential in cars is to transfer the engine torque to the tyres. So that, different tyres on the same axle can rotate at different speeds at the same time. Differentials serve different purposes in different drivetrain systems. In rear-wheel drive cars, it is used to rotate tyres at different speeds only when the vehicle is turning. Whereas, in AWD and 4WD cars differentials work continuously and provide divided torque as per the need.
Its ability to divide engine torque as per the need makes it the most important component of AWD and 4WD drivetrain systems. There are different types of differentials used in cars depending upon the drivetrain system. Let’s discuss the types of differentials and their working.
Types of Differential
Differentials have long been part of automobiles. In early vehicles, it was used to ease the turning of vehicles. Since then it has been evolved and currently, multiple types of differentials are used in vehicles. See the following types of differentials commonly used in cars.
Locking Differential: It is located at the centre of the axle between two tyres. It connects the tyres so that both rotates, at the same speed. It is generally used in full-size trucks.
Open Differential: It is the simplest and oldest type of differential. It divides the torque into two tyres at different speeds. If one tyre loses traction, another one will lose power to maintain traction. It is commonly used in mid-size affordable sedans.
Torque Differential: It transfers a specific amount of torque to every tyre for controlling traction. It is used by BMW and Lexus.
Limited-Slip Differential: It is similar to an open differential, till the vehicle experiences slipping or lose traction. In case of slipping, these limited-slip differentials lock automatically to control the vehicle.
Differentials in AWD and 4WD
Construction of the differential remains similar; however, its functions vary from drivetrain to drivetrain. The following paragraphs will provide you with complete details about the difference between AWD and 4WD differentials.
Modern 4×4 cars and trucks generally have the rear-locking differential. This differential connects two tyres on the same axle to rotate with each other. Rear-locking differential support vehicles when driving on rough terrain. If one tyre loses traction, it transfers all the torque to the other tyre and makes the vehicle move. In modern vehicles, there can be more than one differential located at different positions on the axle. This complicated differential system is used in 4×4 vehicles that provide options to choose between rear-wheel drive, 4WD and 4WD sports.
On the contrary to 4WD, in AWD all the wheels receive equal engine torque until extra torque is required by any wheel. To distribute this extra torque a centre differential is a must in AWD cars. Drivetrain systems in AWD cars are more flexible and can be adjusted automatically as per the requirement of torque. Whereas, in 4×4 cars transfer case is present due to which the drivetrain control is manual. This is how differentials work in a drivetrain system.
Maintenance of Differentials
The usage of differentials in AWD and 4WD vehicles are essential for their adequate working. All types of differentials require regular maintenance for proper functioning. Changing differential fluid or oil is the major step in its maintenance. Skipping regular oil change can lead to wear and tear of the differentials. See the following symptoms that denote that your differential requires maintenance:
- Zipping sound while deceleration
- Howl during accelerating or at higher speed
- Vibrations that increases with acceleration
This was all about working and the usage of differentials in AWD and 4WD cars. The usage of differential enables vehicles to drive through different terrains. If you are interested in driving a vehicle that can cross any terrain easily, browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on differentials in cars.
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