What Are the 4 Types of Differentials?

The four main types of automotive differentials are Open, Limited-Slip (LSD), Locking, and Torque-Vectoring. Each manages how power is split between left and right wheels (and sometimes front and rear axles) to balance traction, handling, and durability for specific driving conditions.

Why Differentials Matter

A differential lets wheels on the same axle rotate at different speeds—vital in corners where the outside wheel travels farther than the inside one. The design you have determines how effectively a vehicle maintains traction on uneven or slippery surfaces, how predictably it handles at speed, and how durable it is under high load.

The Four Main Types

Open Differential

An open differential is the simplest and most common type. It freely splits torque between wheels, allowing smooth cornering but sending power to the wheel with the least traction if one slips.

The following points outline where an open differential fits best and where it falls short.

• Best for: Everyday driving on dry, paved roads; low cost and low maintenance.
• Strengths: Smooth turning, minimal tire wear, efficient and quiet.
• Trade-offs: Poor traction if one wheel is on ice, mud, or lifted; not ideal for performance or off-road use without electronic aids.

For many commuter vehicles, an open differential is adequate, especially when paired with modern stability and traction control systems.

Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)

An LSD reduces the open differential’s main drawback by limiting the speed difference between wheels, sending more torque to the wheel with grip. It improves acceleration and stability when traction varies side to side.

Below are the most common LSD mechanisms you’ll encounter.

• Clutch or cone LSD: Uses friction packs to limit slip; tunable but needs periodic service.
• Helical/geared (e.g., Torsen/Quaife): Uses gears to bias torque; smooth and durable but needs some residual traction to work.
• Viscous LSD: Uses fluid shear to limit slip; smooth but can fade with heat and age.
• Electronic brake-based “eLSD”: Uses brake pulses to simulate torque bias; simple but can add heat and wear to brakes.

In spirited driving and light off-road scenarios, an LSD offers a strong balance of traction and refinement with manageable maintenance requirements.

Locking Differential

A locking differential can mechanically lock both wheels on an axle to spin at the same speed, maximizing traction when one wheel is off the ground or on a very low-grip surface. It is favored in off-road and heavy-duty applications.

These are the typical ways locking differentials are implemented.

• Selectable lockers: Driver-controlled (air, electric, or cable) for on-demand locking.
• Automatic/mechanical lockers: Lock under certain torque conditions; robust but can feel abrupt on pavement.
• Spool (or welded): Permanently locked; great off-road or in drag racing, but impractical for street use.

Lockers deliver unmatched traction off-road but reduce maneuverability on high-grip pavement when engaged, increasing tire wear and driveline stress.

Torque-Vectoring Differential

Torque-vectoring systems actively apportion torque side-to-side (and sometimes front-to-rear) to enhance traction and handling. Using clutches and electronic controls—or multiple motors in EVs—they can overdrive the outside wheel to help the car rotate through corners.

The points below capture how torque vectoring differs from other differentials.

• Active yaw control: Improves corner exit speed and stability by sending more torque to the outside wheel.
• Twin-clutch rear units: Common in performance AWD crossovers and cars for precise torque biasing.
• EV implementation: Dual or quad motors can vector torque without clutches, offering instant response.

Though more complex and costly, torque vectoring delivers the most sophisticated blend of grip and agility for performance and safety.

How They Compare in Real Use

Choosing the right differential depends on your driving environment, performance goals, and tolerance for maintenance and cost.

• Daily commuting: Open diff (with traction control) or mild LSD for confidence in rain/light snow.
• Spirited/track driving: Helical or clutch-type LSD; torque vectoring for highest cornering precision.
• Off-road/overlanding: Selectable locking differentials; LSD as a supportive middle ground.
• Performance AWD and EVs: Torque-vectoring systems for maximum control and responsiveness.

Matching the differential to the task ensures you get the desired mix of traction, drivability, and durability without overspending or overcomplicating your setup.

Care and Maintenance Basics

Proper maintenance extends differential life and preserves performance, especially for LSDs and lockers that work harder under load.

• Use the manufacturer-specified gear oil and friction modifiers (critical for clutch LSDs).
• Observe service intervals, especially after towing, track days, or water crossings.
• Watch for symptoms: whine, clunks, binding in turns, or metal in fluid indicate attention needed.
• For selectable lockers, periodically cycle the system and inspect airlines/wiring and seals.

Timely fluid changes and inspections prevent costly wear and keep the differential delivering consistent performance.

Summary

The four types of differentials—Open, Limited-Slip, Locking, and Torque-Vectoring—span a spectrum from simple and economical to highly capable and performance-focused. Open diffs suit everyday driving, LSDs add traction and stability, lockers dominate in off-road conditions, and torque vectoring provides cutting-edge control for high-performance and advanced AWD/EV systems. Selecting the right type depends on where and how you drive, as well as your priorities for grip, handling, cost, and maintenance.

How many differentials are in a vehicle?

A car has either one or two differentials, or possibly three in some high-performance All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles. A basic Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) car has one differential. All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles have a front differential and a rear differential, totaling two. Some advanced AWD systems, particularly those with a center differential on the driveshaft for improved performance, can have three differentials.
 
One Differential

• Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) cars: Opens in new tabThese cars typically have a single differential, often integrated into the transaxle, which is housed with the engine and transmission. 
• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) cars: Opens in new tabRWD cars have a single differential, usually located in the rear axle “pumpkin,” which directs power to the rear wheels. 

Two Differentials

• Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) trucks and SUVs: These vehicles have a differential on both the front and rear axles to send power to all four wheels. 
• AWD vehicles: Most AWD vehicles also have a front and a rear differential. 

Three Differentials 

• Advanced AWD systems: Some high-performance AWD systems feature a third, center differential located on the driveshaft. This center differential allows the front and rear axles to rotate at different speeds, preventing drivetrain binding and improving handling on slick or off-road conditions.

What’s better, open diff or limited-slip differential?

That wraps up the differences between the limited slip differentials and open differentials. The limited slip differentials have an upper edge. However, the cost is higher due to an improved design. On the other hand, open differentials are best suited for regular driving.

What are the four types of differentials?

Different types control how much or little power makes it to the wheels. There are four common types of differentials on the market – open, locking, limited-slip and torque-vectoring.

How do you tell what type of differential you have?

To tell the type of differential, safely lift and support the drive wheels off the ground, place the vehicle in neutral, and then spin one wheel while observing the other. If the opposite wheel spins in the opposite direction, you have an open differential. If the opposite wheel spins in the same direction, you have a limited-slip or locking differential. 
This video demonstrates the test for identifying open versus limited-slip differentials: 59sCatfish MotorsportsYouTube · Jan 11, 2024
1. Prepare the Vehicle

• Lift and Support: Safely jack up the vehicle and support both rear (or front, depending on whether the car is front-wheel or rear-wheel drive) drive wheels off the ground with jack stands. 
• Neutral: Ensure the vehicle is in neutral. 
• Block Wheels: Block the non-drive wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. 

2. Perform the Wheel Spin Test

• Spin a Wheel: With the drive wheels in the air, spin one of them by hand. 
• Observe the Opposite Wheel: Watch the other drive wheel. 
  • Opposite Rotation: If the other wheel spins in the opposite direction of the wheel you’re spinning, you have an open differential. 
  • Same Direction Rotation: If the other wheel spins in the same direction, you have a limited-slip (LSD) or locking differential. 

3. Other Methods

• Vehicle Tags: Opens in new tabSome vehicles have a tag on the differential housing that might indicate the type, possibly with an “L” for limited-slip. 
• Vehicle Options: Opens in new tabCheck your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the “Service Parts Identification” sticker on the door or glove box for RPO (Regular Production Option) codes, which can identify the differential. 
• Visual Inspection: Opens in new tabYou may be able to identify the type by observing the number of cover bolts or the shape of the differential housing.