Your 4×4 system is a high-performance unit that needs proper lubrication to protect your gears. Over time, your differential fluid breaks down and must be replaced.
At Planet Oil Change & Car Wash, we offer 4×4 services and quick oil changes that are as comprehensive and convenient as all our services. A flush-and-fill of your vehicle’s differential offers these benefits:
- Fresh, high-viscosity gear oil helps eliminate internal gear friction.
- Helps fend off moisture infiltration, which prevents internal rust and corrosion.
- Restores transfer case precision for smooth shifting between the axles.
- Remove metal shavings from the housing to help guard your bearings.
- Reduce resistance to help improve fuel economy.
Ultimately, this all adds up to one huge advantage: our services help extend your vehicle’s long-term value. To help keep your gears protected, find a location near you and come see us!
4 Reasons to Get 4×4 Service at Your Next Quick Oil Change
Most people understand the importance of getting oil changes right away. If you’re too focused on your motor oil, you might forget about what’s going on inside your differential.
At Planet Oil Change, we want to help people be more mindful of their vehicles’ needs. Here are some signs that the fluid inside your differential is old and needs to be replaced:
- A high-pitched whine or a low growl that changes with your speed.
- Vibrations through the floorboards when you accelerate.
- A burning smell after driving.
- Leaking fluid near the axles.
- Difficulty shifting into four-wheel drive.
- Hopping or resisting movement during tight turns.
Here’s what can happen if you ignore these signs that you need to replace that old differential fluid:
1. Thermal Signal Failure
This is the biggest threat to your vehicle’s gears, and the biggest reason your vehicle needs regular 4×4 service.
Problem: Under heavy loads or towing, your truck’s differential fluid is exposed to extreme heat. This causes the fluid to break down and thin out, which offers less gear protection.
Solution: Our 4×4 service removes that heat-damaged oil and replaces it with fresh, high-performance lubricant. These new fluids maintain thickness under pressure to help keep your drivetrain stable.
2. Moisture & Particulate Damage
Whether you do a lot of off-roading or just regular driving, moisture is an important reason to get this service.
Problem: As is always the case with moisture and metal, this causes internal rust and corrosion. If ignored for too long, it can do severe damage to the bearings in your gears.
Solution: Our 4×4 Service flushes out every drop of contaminated fluid to eliminate the moisture and hidden grit. We refill your housing with fresh, water-resistant oil that helps fend off rust and keeps your drivetrain clean.
3. Buildup of Metal Shavings
This needs to be removed from your gear system, and 4×4 service is the best and only way to do it.
Problem: As your gears mesh, they produce small metal shavings inside your differential. These particles act like “internal sandpaper,” ultimately destroying your bearings.
Solution: When our oil change pros drain the old fluid from your differential, the bulk of these metal shavings leave with it. We also clean the magnetic drain plug, which traps these particles, and then refill your differential with fresh fluid.
4. Gear Seizure
There are serious dangers to your vehicle if you keep driving on failed differential fluid!
Problem: Driving with old differential fluid puts your gears at risk of locking up. This can lead to a complete drivetrain failure, ruining your vehicle’s gears and leaving you stranded on the road or trail.
Solution: Our 4×4 service replaces ineffective oil with high-viscosity lubricants that help protect against heat-induced issues. This helps keep your drivetrain constant and helps prevent catastrophic mid-drive lockups.
Planet Oil Change: Protect Your Vehicle with Full Automotive Care
If you’re already coming in for an oil change, it’s the perfect time to have your 4×4 system checked. At Planet Oil Change & Car Wash, we offer 4×4 service to help keep your drivetrain protected.
We’ll quickly change your differential fluid the next time you come in for an oil change. If you’re experiencing any of the signs that your fluid is going bad, come see us right away.
Pull in for an oil change and get convenient 4×4 service to help keep your truck or Jeep running smoothly. Just find a location near you and come see us; no appointment needed!
