Your car’s differential is one of the key players or components in keeping the vehicle moving in an appropriate direction. It’s essential to keep your front end and tires on the same page to ensure each set is given the right amount of power to go in whichever direction the driver wishes. But when your differential goes awry, it could be bad news for your car.
A mechanic or technician will perform differential service by draining the old fluid from the differentials and replacing it with new fluid under the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions and specs.
The rear differential service differs because the mechanic or technician will perform a differential service and fluid flush before installing the new fluid.
The differential is located on the rear axle of a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The differential allows the drive wheels to rotate at different speeds during turns without causing wheel binding or leaping. When you are behind a truck, you have probably noticed that bulge in the middle of the axle.
Yes! The differential uses oil that is thicker than engine oil. Changing the oil in the differential is just as important as changing the oil in the engine because the oil wears thin and becomes contaminated over time. Without oil, the differential, like the engine, will begin to have metal-to-metal contact, which will wear the differential out.
Most vehicles’ differentials should be changed every 50,000 miles. However, your vehicle may require differential service more frequently depending on the vehicle’s mileage and travel conditions, such as dirt roads.
If your car’s differential system won’t function properly or experience any technical glitches, it means your differential needs replacement. Here are some of the acute symptoms of a lousy differential:
If you notice oil dripping from beneath the vehicle at one of the axles, you should immediately seek professional differential service.
The oil may also be expired or too old to lubricate any vehicle parts, resulting in the same foul odour as the metals burn due to metal-to-metal friction.
A lousy differential will frequently make loud rattling or whirring noises. Take your vehicle for differential service if you hear these noises from under the car.
If you recognize an unusual vibration while driving, it may be caused by the differential, and it is worth taking it to your mechanic for a service check.
As differential oil ages, it can begin to smell burnt. It is time to get a differential service if you smell burning oil.
Whirring, whining, or howling strange noises are another sign of lousy differential oil, implying that the metal parts, clutches, gears, and differentials have not been lubricated due to a dirty lack of clean oil.
If you are searching for the best car differential service, your search ends at Protrans. We are California’s most trusted and recognized automobile repair and maintenance workshop. Our priority is to keep your car in the best working form.
These guys are the real deal. From the moment I called, the lady at the front desk was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Never left me waiting or wondering. They rebuilt my transmission and gave me my truck back feeling like new. Jeff was in constant communication with me the entire time, great guy. Great techs and Honest company. Thanks Protrans!
Edward Pulido Sep 9, 2023
Great auto shop! Very communicative and reasonable prices.
Brooke Rose Sep 9, 2023
Service was friendly, clear, and respectful. Went in for a coolant leak and failing coolant fans. They charged 130$ to find the leak and about 1000$ to replace the fans and the water pump. They made some extra maintenance suggestions but were very clear on what was essential to fix the leak, and what was only a suggestion. Not pushy at all. The prices they told me ahead of time matched up with what they actually billed me for. They had the problem diagnosed the same day I took the car in and had it repaired by the next day. I had to use a payment plan for the first time to cover part of the cost. They made it easy and quick to get a good loan. It's been a week since I went in and the car hasn't had any problems since. Car was a chevy sonic.
Christian Wolird Sep 9, 2023
This shop always fixes whatever problems I have with my cars. Any issues that I experience my first thought is take it to Protrans.
Austin Hamedih Sep 9, 2023
Protrans Automotive is simply outstanding! Their skilled technicians provided top-notch service, quickly diagnosing and fixing my vehicle's issues. I was impressed by their honesty and transparent pricing, making the entire experience hassle-free. The staff's professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction are truly commendable. Without a doubt, Protrans Automotive deserves a solid five-star rating!
LaVester Sturges Aug 8, 2023
I took my SUV VW Toureg to the dealer to have my brakes done. They did an estimate on the work I needed done with parts and told me it would be over $1000 dollars to get it done for the front brakes only. So, I called around and remembered going to Protrans a few years ago and how great their services were. I called them up they gave me a free estimate, after work was done they changed me half of what the dealer was going to charge me. I strongly recommend Protrans for any and all of repairs or services you need for your vehicle.
Jeff Stapleton Jan 1, 2021
They have a great team, very attentive to details. Made it so easy. Have already recommended them to family and friends.
Chuck Sanchez Jul 7, 2023
I do not live in California and my nephew heard about ProTrans. We called and when they checked it over, they found a hole in a hose. Fixed it and called to come get. Very professional service. Thank you!’
Susie Jun 6, 2023
Just picked up my truck it was done a couple of days early he had one of his mechanics take care of business . Clutch seems to be working perfect . This is my third time here and each time has been great .
Rex Gross Jun 6, 2023
I took the chance to just drop in without an appointment early in the morning because I needed some expertise on a problem. They were so helpful and got the problem fixed and then took care of an oil change. It feels so good to have someone I can trust to take care of our car, knowing they are honest and capable.
Linda Crites Jun 6, 2023
This business came highly recommended and they did not disappoint.
Lisa Barnes Jun 6, 2023
This place is 5 stars their the best they fixed my car in 1 day electrical diagnostics, and did oil change for only 89 , usually I pay 135 , Came back to have them charge my battery and replace my alternator and now everything works brand new . Best Place to go to affordable prices and These Guys know why their doing their Professional they worked on 2020 Volkswagen Jetta And many mechanic shops told me to go Volkswagen but I looked up reviews on who works on new Volkswagen and they were closes to me not even half a mile away. They Credit options as well which is what I used to fix my vehicle. Best Mechanic shop in riverside !!
Ryan Moreno Jun 6, 2023
I brought my 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas Vehicle to Protrans b/c it couldn't be serviced at the Dealer. Protrans was able to define the issue(s); work thru them & get my vehicle back on the road. No issues for over 6 months now. The Team is polite, very knowledgable, but most importantly professional. I highly recommend Protrans for anyone that needs service for their vehicle.
Daniel OConnor Jun 6, 2023
I had a great experience. The service was fast, fatser than most places I've been to. And the staff was very friendly and helpful. They made sure all my needs were met and all my questions got answered. Very nice place!
Fujin Raijin Jun 6, 2023
These guys did great work rebuilding my transmission and got it done within 3 days. Had to use my truck to move and the truck drove well with no issues. If you need transmission work and want it done professionally, don't hesitate to contact them. I'm a very satisfied customer and would highly recommend them.
Robert Nido May 5, 2023
The "Protrans" team is always very professional and welcoming! They always treat me & my family like royalty! I always look forward to spending quality time with Jeff & Michael!
Cliff Liles Nov 11, 2020
Protrans Automotive & Transmission the personnel at your service station are Honest and informative; providing the utmost work on my GMC Terrain. The car was checked out with an engine analyzer prior to visit. Your mechanics did a diagnostic check and came up with the same code. So, I was relieved the service station was not going to rip me of.. or take advantage of a senior citizen. Timely, informative and status of recommended work was provided. Updates discussed before their professional work continued. When I picked up my vehicle, such a difference!! It was like I received a brand new car. The Terrain runs so smoothly. The company they they run shows talent and professionalism in their automotive Skills!! Thanks, Jackie
Jackie Brown May 5, 2023
I had a transmission rebuild done and diagnostic for check engine light. Super pleaseed to date with sevices! Not feeling comfortable with the estimate I got the last time I went there. I literally sold my car.
Beverly Olaiz Jan 1, 2021
It was a great experience. They doing the job in a professional way replacing the battery with the right size battery and write a qualification from the manufacture on time and friendly customer service. Definitely, I will keep them as my own mechanic from now on.
lo ra Apr 4, 2023
Nice people and quality service! I strongly recommend this place. After trying multiple places, they managed to fix the transmission on my truck for a great price.
Eduardo Garcia Apr 4, 2023
Twice now I've had the pleasure of having my 2007 Dodge Ram serviced with this fantastic business. The most recent was last week prior to that about 5 years ago. The first time was the alternator and battery replacement with a long drive home to follow. A little scary but everything worked out just fine. Visiting family once again last week when my check engine light illuminated.. yikes! Not to worry! From the first phone call with Corey to schedule an appointment to working with Jeff and Michael to get the issue resolved before returning home to Arizona! Communication was excellent! They even looked into getting my side view mirror replaced however I was unable to stick around for them to complete it. Darn it! All the same I highly highly recommend ProTrans!!! Their pricing is reasonable along with the reliable service. Best I've ever experienced. Give them a try they will not let you down! God bless
Nancy B Apr 4, 2023
Great customer service
Flavio Carbajal Apr 4, 2023
Thank you so much to Jeff cori and mike you guys are amazing would recommend I’ve been going through the ring but they definitely took some weight off my shoulders can’t thank you enough ❤️🙏🏾
Chenelle White Apr 4, 2023
Clean, knowledgable, experienced and professional. Prices were more than fair and they were a pleasure to work with on rebuild of my Ford Transit Connect's transmission. Planning on having them repair my GMC diesel next.
Rob Brown Mar 3, 2023
This is an excellent repair shop. I’ve been using ProTrans for years and they always do fantastic work.
Kevin Esterling Mar 3, 2023
Great customer service, fast and affordable repairs. Been going here for years, my family takes their cars here as well, and we all love it!
Josh Jeffery Mar 3, 2023
Truck running in limp mode. Message to service exhaust system now. Called and they told me to bring it in. This was on a Friday. By Monday it was diagnosed as a diesel particulate filter plugged up. Regen did not solve the problem. Suggested replacement of entire exhaust after treatment system. I ok’d the work. Took two weeks to get the scarce parts. Great word great people to work with. Highly recommend this shop.
Jim & Linda Walker May 5, 2020
Had to have the transmission totally rebuilt. Got it done in a week and am really satisfied. They did a wonderful job. Thanks for your help.
Jim P Feb 2, 2023
Repaired transmission last year and front suspension last week. Just checked with my son, who drove for first time today for significant time: "Drives great thanks for everything" So everything is great. Your usual great work!
michael mattox Feb 2, 2023
4 yr customer (car and van). Competitive prices, excellent and fast service. Wonderful staff (Jeff, Michael etc.) No return on services performed. 💝
Kathy Moore Feb 2, 2023
Went in with a problem, left with out a problem that’s what everyone likes when they take the vehicles in. Front office was so helpful and professional! I would recommend this places to everyone hands down !!! Fixed my truck within 2 days . I give this shop 5 stars rating . You can trust this shop with out worrying !! My truck runs amazing now !!!
Gustavo Sanchez Feb 2, 2023
Really good service and attitude. Brake checks for free and oil change for $100, would say best in Riverside.
Bonan Shen Feb 2, 2023
replaced waterpump, theromastat, adapter and flex fran. very pleased with the work.
Juanita Bigelow Feb 2, 2023
This was my first time visit at Protrans Automotive, I did not know what to expect and was worried about how bad my car was and what it would cost me. Jeff greeted me and was very professional and welcoming. While my car was being repaired, I made arrangements to rent a car at a rental place, which was about 1/2 mile away. I was offered a ride to the car rental place by Protrans, which was really nice and accommodating since the weather was very frigid that morning. That afternoon, Jeff called me and advised my car was ready and it was not nearly as bad as I had anticipated. I was pleased with their hospitality and professionalism. I am happy with my car and it is running great!!! Thank you for your great service.
Stella Sayers Jan 1, 2023
Excellent and kind car service. I did a walk-in oil change and stayed throughout the appointment. Their guest area is very clean. They were efficient and very clear with me about the service and price. I would highly recommend.
Pauline Carey-Jones Jan 1, 2023
I’ve been brining my cars to ProTrans for years (including my Mercedes). They are trustworthy, knowledgeable and back up the work that they do. Highly recommend
Dawn Jeffery Jan 1, 2023
I trust this company with my car from a simple oil change to major repairs, they always friendly they even offer cold bottle water and a comfy room to wait with a t.v
Bridget ******* Jan 1, 2023
Great place. Great atmosphere. I could tell there was a lot of respect from everyone to everyone, employees and customers.
Ben Middleton Jan 1, 2023
After buying a used 01 civic I was not sure where to go for trusted repairs, everyone was friendly and very smart. All my repairs were done in a timely manner my car feels like a new 2022 this will be my go to mechanic for all my vehicles. Thank you very much ! Shout out to Jeff and all the service department you guys are awesome!
Victor Hurtado Dec 12, 2022
Where do i start.. Wednesday afternoon 3pm before Thanksgiving on way home to Phoenix, car goes into limp mode, got referred to Protrans. Called them they agreed to take a look. Diagnosed, parts ordered and Throttle Body replaced and road tested. So very excited to know that there are still Honest shops out there that actually care about their clients. Highly recommend Protrans.
Jerry Griffus Nov 11, 2022
Very friendly! They checked our car and gave us professional recommendations for free! Will surely go back to them when next oil change needed.
Yuan-Lu Chen Nov 11, 2022
Went in for transmission repair, after diagnosing the problem they told me I didn't need a full rebuild saving me well over $1,000.00. They found some safety issues I wasn't aware of and I had them take care of all of them. The truck is running great! Thank you Protrans.
ray zambrano Nov 11, 2022
Professional, clean, courteous, helpful and reasonable.
Kevin Mahoney Nov 11, 2022