Can You Turn with the Differential Lock Engaged?
2 Answers
You can turn with the differential lock engaged because the tires and the road surface have sliding friction, which the differential lock can withstand. When escaping difficult terrain, the differential lock also endures significant force. Forced turns may cause wear to the tires and the differential lock, but they are unlikely to be easily damaged. Driving at high speeds with the differential lock engaged will not cause the vehicle to roll over. The differential lock is a locking mechanism installed on the central differential, used in four-wheel-drive vehicles. Its purpose is to enhance the vehicle's ability to traverse poor road conditions. When one drive axle of the vehicle spins freely, the differential lock can quickly lock the differential, turning the two drive axles into a rigid connection. This allows torque to be transmitted to the non-slipping drive axle, fully utilizing traction to generate sufficient driving force and enabling the vehicle to continue moving.
Last time I drove with the differential lock engaged while turning in the mud, the car wobbled uncontrollably and the tires screeched, which really startled me. The differential lock is mainly designed for off-road or straight-line driving in snowy conditions—it locks the rear wheels to make them rotate synchronously and prevent slipping. But if you keep it engaged during turns, the wheels can't rotate independently to adapt to the turning angle, which increases wear, makes steering harder, and may cause loss of control due to the larger turning radius. Never do this on paved roads—safety first. Normally, when driving on slippery surfaces, disengage the lock for smooth turns. Remember to only engage the lock for straight-line traction recovery and turn it off before making a turn. Make it a habit to check the differential lock status to avoid unnecessary risks.
