Regular Fluid Changes for Locking Differential in Mercedes

Mercedes cars come in a range of different sizes and shapes in the various models they offer. Depending on the type of terrain the car will drive on and the purpose of the vehicle, different cars, and Mercedes for that matter, have different features and parts that contribute to executing the specific performance function of that particular vehicle. For instance, an off-road vehicle will have a very different structure than a four-door sedan because they serve different purposes. The Mercedes G-Class for example is equipped with a locking differential to specifically handle off-road terrain.

All vehicles have differentials, as they’re essential to making the wheels turn. If you’re not familiar with what a locking differential is or does for your own Mercedes, then you’re not alone—many drivers struggle with automotive terminology. This article will briefly go over what a locking differential does, why it’s important to maintain properly, and how you can find the care you need for your Mercedes-Benz.

What is a Locking Differential?

When you hear the word “differential,” think of “different.” The differential is part of the drivetrain of a car which simply allows the wheels to rotate at two different speeds. In certain cars, like all-wheel-drive cars and the Mercedes G-Class, they’re equipped with what is called locking differentials, where more than one differential are at work to keep your car’s wheels maximally gripped to the ground, better handling difficult, rocky, or unstable terrain. Differentials must be properly maintained in order to perform optimally. The most important aspect of differential care is maintaining its fluid. Differential fluid is critical for the intricate parts within the differential system which require continual lubrication to work properly. When this fluid becomes contaminated or runs dry, it can cause serious problems with your Mercedes’ differential functionality.

Reasons for Regular Fluid Changes

As previously mentioned, it is critical to keep your differential in working order at all times to ensure your car’s optimal performance. However, there are other reasons for regular fluid changes that are often overlooked.

Differential Replacement Cost

Should you ever see the day that you require a differential replacement, you’ll want to avoid it at all costs—literally. The price of replacing your car’s differential is not something most people keep in a piggy bank. Depending on the type of car and the need for additional repair, it can cost anywhere from hundreds to over a thousand dollars.

Longevity and Value

If your car’s differential isn’t working properly, it can have a significant affect on your car’s performance, which makes your car essentially useless. Regardless of how well-maintained the other parts of your car are, without a properly maintained differential, your car won’t even be able to travel up a hill let alone go off-roading. When you attempt to resell your car, the value will be significantly reduced with a damaged or broken differential.

Safety

Maintaining your differential is important for your safety for a number of reasons. In the most important moments is usually when car trouble arises, so it’s better to take precautionary steps to prevent disaster. The locking differential on your Mercedes is important to maintain with regular fluid changes because without proper lubrication a lot of things can go wrong, leaving you susceptible to causing an accident. If you notice any performance differences in your Mercedes, it’s critical to have it checked out by a professional Mercedes mechanic immediately.

Signs of Trouble

The most common signs that a differential is failing or one of the components is failing are important to look out for in your Mercedes. If you begin to hear odd noises while turning, or experience any vibrating or rattling while turning, it could be related to a differential issue. Contact a trusted Mercedes service center nearby to schedule a differential diagnosis as soon as possible.

How Euro Plus Automotive Can Help You

The Mercedes experts here at Euro Plus Automotive have served the communities of Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and the greater Los Angeles County, CA for nearly 3 decades, and they’ve seen it all. On top of our experience, knowledge, and skill to prove our dedication to automotive repair, we passionately approach customer service with honesty and integrity. We are familiar with many types of differentials and their common issues, including that of Mercedes-Benz in particular. If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms in your Mercedes, please call us right away to schedule a diagnostic appointment.

* White Mercedes-Benz G-Class image credit goes to: Snap2Art_RF.