Mercedes vehicles are unique, powerful, and consistent – which makes them one of the most well known manufacturers in the auto industry. In reality, Mercedes vehicles are not all that different from many of the other cars on the road today in the way that they are put together and engineered. One component of Mercedes vehicles that is slightly different from some other common automobiles is the differential. The differential in your Mercedes plays an integral role in how your car performs, but the truth is that without it your car wouldn’t move very far at all. In this article we’ll go over why the differential is so elemental to your car’s functionality and how you can avoid differential failure.

What is the differential and why is it important?

Not all differentials are alike, and even different Mercedes models will be equipped with diverse differentials. In general, the differential is responsible for transmitting engine power to the wheels so that they can make the car “go.” Simultaneously, the differential permits the corresponding wheels to turn at differing rates so that the car can smoothly and efficiently complete turns. The differential gears are rotating and bear the weight of your vehicle while turning, and over time the differential can experience significant wear. Over time, the differential gears can break off small metal shavings, which wind up contaminating the gear oil and/or differential fluid. This only exacerbates the problem by wearing out the differential components at a rapid rate. The best way to keep the differential in good working condition for the life of your car is to take a preventive approach to your ongoing automotive care.

Helpful tips for avoiding differential damage or failure

As we mentioned before, the differential plays a critical part in your Mercedes’ overall performance and longevity. If the differential encounters malfunction or failure it can cause serious damage to other parts, racking up your repair bills significantly. Here are a few helpful tips for maintaining the differential so that you can avoid running into performance issues:

• Hire a Mercedes-Benz specialist to handle any differential servicing or ongoing maintenance procedures
• Use high quality synthetic gear oil
• Perform gear oil changes routinely – the first gear servicing should take place around the 3,000-mile mark, and should be closely monitored after
• Although they’re fun, don’t engage in burnouts – limit wheel spinning
• Perform frequent inspections of the differential components – this will help avoid issues like corrosion related to water damage; the gear oil won’t work as well when water is present

By following these tips, you’ll have an excellent chance at preventing differential damage or failure. However, sometimes differential damage or premature wear occurs anyway due to unique driving conditions or extenuating circumstances. In case this occurs, it’s also important to know some of the common symptoms associated with differential failure:

• Whining sound coming from transmission or differential
• Missed gear servicing
• Contaminated or dirty gear oil
• Uneven tire wear
• Rough handling around turns
• Vibration upon acceleration
• Differential fluid leaks
• Humming or grinding gears

Staying on top of routine gear servicing including gear oil changes is essential for keeping the differential parts well lubricated. It’s also important to pick up on the nuances of differential failure, such as uneven tire wear, fluid leaks, and other subtle symptoms that can gradually worsen over time such as changes in your vehicle’s handling while turning.

How we can help you

Here at Das European Autohaus, our Mercedes-Benz experts always utilize a preventive lens when assessing differential issues. Drivers from all over the areas of Spring, Cypress, North Houston, Tomball, and The Woodlands, TX, have come to us to address differential issues, and we have successfully restored their car’s functioning effectively and affordably. If you’d like to learn more about our shop’s qualifications working with Mercedes cars or diagnosing and treating differential issues, please don’t hesitate to call us. Your differential is one component that makes your Mercedes so efficient, and we understand how frustrating it can be to run into such automotive troubles. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or inspection, or for help setting up a recurring plan to optimally care for your differential components. Your satisfaction and safety are always our first priorities.

* Mercedes SL on Road image credit goes to: supergenijalac.

* Red Mercedes-Benz C63 on Road image credit goes to: kurmyshov.