Having your differential fluid changed regularly is an important part of your vehicle’s routine maintenance. A differential controls the speed of your wheels, allowing them to turn at different speeds when needed—like when you’re going around a turn. Differential fluid helps keep the differential lubricated and prevents the gears inside it from overheating, but the fluid can break down or become contaminated over time.
How much does a differential fluid service cost?
On average, having your differential fluid changed costs between $100–$200. The cost can vary based on where you live, whether you have the service done at a dealership or independent repair shop, and the make and model of vehicle you drive.
If you drive a vehicle with both a front and rear differential, you should change the fluid in both differentials at the same time, which will bring the average cost to around $200–$400.
Most two-wheel-drive (2WD) vehicles have either a front or a rear differential, depending on which wheels power the car — meaning a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle would have a rear differential and a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle would have a front differential. Four-wheel-drive (4WD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles typically either have two differentials—a front and a rear—or a single center differential.
How often should you change differential fluid?
You’ll usually need to change your differential fluid every 30,000–50,000 miles. However, the exact frequency will vary based on your make and model, so check the owner’s manual to find out what your manufacturer recommends.
Signs it’s time to change your differential fluid
If you’re overdue for a differential fluid change, you may notice some of the following symptoms:
- You feel vibrations in your vehicle where the differential is located (e.g., from the front of a FWD vehicle).
- You hear grinding noises from the gears in the differential.
- Your differential leaks oil.
- The differential case gets hot after driving.
How to check your differential fluid
If you want to check the differential oil in your vehicle, place an oil drain pan on the ground under the differential, then use a socket wrench to remove the fill plug on the differential. Examine the oil—it should be clear. If it’s opaque or has a metallic sheen, the differential oil should be completely drained and replaced.
What happens if you don’t change your differential fluid?
Over time, the gear oil that lubricates your differential will break down and become contaminated by metal shavings and other particles. If you don’t change the fluid, the gears inside your differential will wear down due to friction, and the axle can eventually become damaged.
Can I change my differential fluid at home?
A differential oil change is similar to a motor oil change, so it’s a fairly simple DIY job if you have some basic mechanical experience. However, the process may be more complex for vehicles without a differential fluid drain plug. In this case, it may be better if the service is performed by a technician unless you have moderate automotive knowledge.
If you do change your differential fluid at home, do not use regular motor oil. Regular engine oil is thinner and is meant to perform well under high heat. Differential oil is thicker and is designed to perform well under high pressure.
There are two types of differential oil: natural (mineral oil) and synthetic. Check your owner’s manual for the exact type of oil to use.
Differential oil smells like sulfur, so it’s a good idea to wear old clothes when changing this yourself. You should also take care to avoid getting differential oil on your car’s interior, since it can take a while for the odor to dissipate.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
