Question:  I was told I need to have my transfer case serviced.  What is that?

Express Car Care Answer:  On a four-wheel-drive vehicle, power needs to be transferred to both the front and rear axles.  The transfer case is the mechanism that makes that happen.  There are many drivetrain configurations out there, so we’ll just talk in general terms.

Trucks and larger SUV’s are often primarily rear-wheel-drive.  When the driver (or the vehicle’s computer) selects 4WD, the transfer case also sends power to the front axle.  The transfer case may also contain an additional gear set for off-roading.

The transfer case is lubricated and cooled by special gear oil.  Over time, the oil gets contaminated and needs to be changed, just like your engine oil and transmission fluid.  Your automobile manufacturer will have a schedule and your Express Car Care service adviser can help you as well.

Many vehicles around Denver have all-wheel-drive now and AWD vehicles are often based on a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicle with an addition of a center differential that sends power to the rear wheels when needed.  This center differential, like the transfer case, has a critical service schedule for replacing contaminated lubricant.  The work of transfer cases and differentials is demanding and proper maintenance should not be neglected by Denver car owners.

Knowing the service schedule for your transfer case and differentials will help keep your truck running well and avoid premature wear.  This is especially critical during the winter months when the chances are higher that  you might need 4WD for driving in the ice and snow.

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