How often should the differential oil be changed?
2 Answers
For vehicles that are frequently driven, the differential oil can be changed every 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. For specific models, please refer to the maintenance manual. The function of differential oil: Differential oil is used in various gear transmission devices to prevent tooth surface wear, scuffing, sintering, etc., extend their service life, and improve power transmission efficiency. Characteristics of differential oil: Gear oil should have good anti-wear and load-bearing properties, as well as appropriate viscosity. Differential oil should also have excellent thermal oxidation stability, anti-foaming properties, water separation performance, and rust prevention. Since gear loads generally exceed 490 MPa, and hypoid gear surface loads can reach up to 2,942 MPa, extreme pressure anti-wear additives are commonly added to gear oil to prevent oil film rupture and subsequent tooth surface wear and scuffing. Sulfur-phosphorus or sulfur-phosphorus-nitrogen type additives are widely used.
I've driven several cars of different brands before, and I always pay special attention to the differential fluid change during maintenance. Generally speaking, for regular family cars, it's about time to replace the rear axle oil (commonly known as the final drive oil) after driving 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers. When my first car reached 50,000 kilometers, the mechanic found metal shavings in the oil and explained that this oil is mainly responsible for lubricating the rear wheel gear set. If not replaced for a long time, gear wear will increase, and even abnormal noises may occur. Now, I proactively check the oil color at 40,000 kilometers and replace it immediately if it appears cloudy. For car owners who frequently drive on mountain roads or enjoy aggressive driving, it's recommended to shorten the interval to 30,000 kilometers, as the oil degrades faster under high-load gear operation. Also, remember to use professional equipment to completely drain the old oil during the change; otherwise, mixing new oil with the old one won’t help.