NAPA Canada
7025 Ontario Street East Montreal, QC H1N 2B3 514-251-6540

Simple Answers from NAPA Canada for Montreal: Differential Service

Last Updated: Jul 01, 2025

Question:
What is a differential and why do Montreal drivers need to have it serviced?

NAPA Canada Answer:
First of all – your vehicle does have a differential. If it’s a rear wheel drive, your differential is on the back. If it’s front wheel drive, your differential is built into your transaxle (transmission). Montreal drivers with all wheel drive or four wheel drive will have differentials front and rear and maybe one in between.

When you are steering through a turn at an intersection in Montreal, the wheels on the outside of the vehicle have to spin faster than the inside wheels because they have to travel a slightly longer distant through the curve. The differential compensates for these speed differences between the wheels.

Because it is part of the vital equipment that transfers engine power to the wheels, the differential is working pretty hard. Differential fluid – a special heavy-duty oil, cools, lubricates and protects the differential. It needs to be replaced on a schedule to remove metal shavings and other contaminants. Note: if you have a front wheel drive vehicle, replacing your transmission fluid takes care of your differential service needs.

Differentials have become increasingly sophisticated for Montreal drivers. Rather than the simple mechanical devices of yesteryear, they are more complicated and may actually be part of the vital computer controlled vehicle stability system. This means they are more pricey so it pays for Montreal drivers to have them serviced on schedule at NAPA Canada in Montreal to avoid premature wear. Talk to your NAPA Canada service advisor.

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NAPA Canada
7025 Ontario Street East
Montreal, QC H1N 2B3
514-251-6540


At NAPA Canada we install quality NAPA replacement parts.