When to Change the Car Differential Oil? Here's How to Check It!
When friends are servicing their car at the workshop, the mechanic will check the car as a whole, including oil replacement. There are various types of oil for cars, but the most well-known is engine oil. There is another type of oil besides engine oil that needs to be replaced regularly and periodically, which is differential oil. So when is the right time to change the car's differential oil? How can you check when the differential oil needs to be changed? Here is a complete review.
When to Change Car Differential Oil? Here Are the Signs!
Differential oil is a type of oil used to lubricate the differential box, especially the gear contact parts. In general, differential oil should be replaced after the car has traveled 40,000 km or equivalent to 2 years. The differential oil replacement interval is stated in the service manual recommended by the car manufacturer.
However, in addition to considering the mileage, friends can check when to change the differential oil by observing the following signs:
1. Oil changes color
The first way, friends can check directly whether the color of the differential oil has changed or not? If the color is already thick and dark, then it is a sign that you need to replace the differential oil with a new one.
2. Oil becomes thin
In addition to color changes, friends should also check the viscosity of the differential oil. If the differential oil is already thin, then its lubricating ability is also reduced.
3. Strong vibrations occur
A sign that the differential oil needs to be replaced immediately is the occurrence of strong vibrations in the car body. The vibrations that arise will affect the car's control, making it difficult to steer even on a straight road.
4. Loud noises appear
The impact of not changing differential oil for a long time will cause gear components to experience friction. This can lead to transmission gear damage and cause loud noises in the engine's CVT box.
5. The car runs unstably
In addition to loud noises, the car's speed is also unstable. Usually, the car will often stutter when used. This happens due to hard friction between engine components because of thin differential oil.
6. Car wheels are difficult to control
Differential oil that is no longer usable also causes problems in the wheel area. As a result, the wheel rotation becomes disturbed, especially when the car turns. This increases the risk of accidents.
7. Gear ratio does not function properly
The gear ratio plays an important role in automatic transmission. This component can work optimally as long as the differential oil is still in normal condition. If the differential oil runs out, the gear ratio can be damaged and disrupt the performance of the automatic transmission.
Read Also: Benefits of Draining Automatic Transmission Oil
8. A burning smell occurs
If friends smell a burning odor from the car's differential, it is best to check your differential oil immediately. This happens because the differential oil is depleted and the differential condition is too hot. If this condition is left unchecked, the differential components can expand.
So, that is the information on when to change your car's differential oil and the signs you can observe to know the condition of the differential oil. If any of the signs above occur in your car, check the differential oil immediately.
Additionally, friends can change the differential oil independently by draining the old differential oil completely. After that, fill the differential with new differential oil. Don't forget to choose the best differential oil, okay.
If friends are not skilled in the process of changing and selecting differential oil, it is best to contact a professional technician immediately. Friends can also contact the nearest Daihatsu dealer for consultation and regular servicing.
