What is Differential Oil? How does it work? How often should I get a differential service?
First of all, what is a differential?
The differential is a component in all automobiles designed to compensate for the difference in distance that the inner wheels and outer wheels travel as the car goes around a corner. Basically the differential allows your car to make corners without drama. If both drive wheels rotated together, going around corners would be jerky because the outside tire travels farther than the inside
A under view of the differential of truck
In a rear-wheel-drive car, the differential has its own housing and lubrication. Front-wheel-drive vehicles typically integrate the differential in the transmission housing and share the same fluid.
The differential can be seen by looking under the bumper from the rear. The driveshaft connects to the front of it, and the axles and rear tires come off either side of it.
If you want to know more detail, search the internet. There are some cool pictures and videos of how the gears in a differential work.
What is differential oil?
Differential oil, sometimes referred to as gear oil, is found in the axle housing. It’s thicker than engine oil and is designed to perform under high pressure (gears mashing together, hydraulic nature of clutch packs) rather than high temperatures like engine oil.
Gear oil to help keep the differential in great shape
How does differential oil work in my vehicle?
As you cruise down the road, the gear oil splashes about lubricating gears, bearings and clutch packs. The differential oil lubricates the ring and pinion gears that transfer power from the driveshaft to the wheel axles. If your car is fitted with a limited-slip differential, it also keeps all the moving parts in that assembly healthy. The purpose of the differential fluid is to cool and lubricate your differential. Without the oil your differential would overheat due to the metal-to-metal contact and burn itself out.
How often do I need to change the differential oil?
Unless the gear oil has been contaminated with water, you should change the differential oil at the time recommended by the owner’s manual of your vehicle. If you don’t have the owner’s manual, we have access at Great Canadian Oil Change to all manufacturers’ recommended service intervals.
Why is it important that I have it changed when recommended?
Changing this oil is just as important as changing your engine’s oil, and for the same reason. Metal-to-metal contact wears down surfaces and creates heat from friction, which inevitably weakens the gears and leads to failure. To keep your differential in optimum condition and to avoid costly repairs, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation on when to change the differential oil.
How can Great Canadian Oil Change help with the maintenance of my differential?
The technicians at Great Canadian Oil Change refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations of the make and model of your vehicle in order to properly service your differential. We will let you know when the recommended service interval has been reached for a change in differential oil. We offer front and rear differential services to help you maintain your vehicle.
The Services menu item on our webpage details all of the services we provide, and provides information that may be helpful to you in making the right choices for your vehicle.
Why Change Transmission Fluid Regularly?
What is transmission fluid?
Transmission fluid is a slippery liquid that acts as a lubricant for all of the moving parts inside your transmission. In an automatic transmission, this fluid also serves as a coolant and a viscous fluid that transmits power from the engine to the transmission.
Refer to your owner’s manual for the type of fluid that your transmission requires.
Why should I change my transmission fluid regularly?
Just like engine oil, transmission oil additives break down over time and no longer properly lubricate the transmission components or disperse heat evenly from the vehicle. By changing the fluid at the recommended interval, you ensure that your transmission is lubricated properly.
How often should I get my transmission fluid changed?
To determine how often your transmission fluid should be changed, follow the recommendations of the manufacturer for the make and model of your vehicle. The interval will vary between makes and models. We also recommend that you get your fluid level checked when you have an oil change done, as there may be no obvious indication that your fluid level is low. Of course, always have your transmission fluid checked if you notice a leak of any kind.
We help you choose the Transmission Fluid that is right for your vehicle.
What happens if I do not change the transmission fluid when it is recommended?
Letting your car run low on transmission fluid can cause the transmission to shift improperly or not at all. It also can harm the internal parts of your transmission, which will not be properly lubricated. Unfortunately, you may not hear any noises or have other clues that your transmission is low on fluid, until it is too late. So it is important to get it checked and changed when needed.
By changing the transmission fluid at the interval recommended, you will avoid both shortening the life of and costly repairs to your transmission.
Can I change my own transmission fluid?
Changing automatic transmission fluid is best left to a technician equipped with the a transmission flusher. Using the proper equipment will ensure the fluid is replaced more thoroughly and effectively than you could achieve with gravity alone.
We have the industry standard equipment that is needed to the the job right – Industrial Transmission Flusher (ITF)
Is there any maintenance required BETWEEN transmission services?
The only maintenance required between intervals is to check the fluid level periodically. As stated above, letting your car run low on transmission fluid can cause problems. Also, as stated above, it often difficult to know the fluid is low unless it is checked.
Can I check my own transmission fluid level?
You may be able to check your own transmission fluid level, depending on the type of transmission you have, and how new your vehicle is. Follow these guidelines:
Manual Transmission: Not all manufacturers include a transmission fluid dipstick in vehicles with a manual transmission. Thus, checking the fluid level can be difficult. We recommend that if you own a vehicle with a manual transmission that you ask your technician to check the fluid level when your car is in for an oil change.
Automatic Transmission: Vehicles with automatic transmissions may have a dipstick for the purpose of checking the transmission fluid level. Be sure you use the correct dipstick as there may be others, such as a crankcase dipstick. Some newer automatic transmission vehicles are now being manufactured as “dipstick-free” with regards to transmission fluid. The transmission fluid on these vehicles can only be checked from under the vehicle. In this case we recommend that you ask your technician to check the fluid level when your car is in for an oil change.
For most cars, checking the automatic transmission fluid consists of pulling the transmission dipstick out while the engine is warmed up and running and with the transmission in park. We suggest that you check your owner’s manual, however, since some manufacturers may have a different procedure.
Unlike engine oil, transmission oil doesn’t get used up. So if you’re low on transmission fluid, you almost certainly have a leak.
Our technicians have the expertise to do the job properly.
How can Great Canadian Oil Change help me with my Transmission Fluid?
The technicians at Great Canadian Oil Change refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations of the make and model of your vehicle in order to properly service your transmission. The transmission fluid level is checked as part of the service with every oil change. We also offer automatic and manual transmission fluid replacement using an Industrial Transmission Flusher (ITF).
The Services menu item on our webpage details all of the services we provide, and provides information that may be helpful to you in making the right choices for your vehicle.
FREE Oil Changes in Medicine Hat for Canadian Veterans and Current Armed Forces Personnel
For Immediate Release
Thursday, November 5, 2020
FREE oil changes for Canadian veterans and current armed forces personnel
On Tuesday, November 10, Great Canadian Oil Change is proud to honour Canadian veterans and current armed forces personnel by giving them a free conventional oil change or $70 off any other oil change.
“We want to thank our veterans and current military members for their service,” said Mike Wiens, owner of Great Canadian Oil Change. “This is a small way for us to honour all those who have sacrificed to keep us safe.”
Veterans with a veteran license plate or members with current military identification can visit any Great Canadian Oil Change location in Medicine Hat to receive their free oil change. No appointment is needed.
“We can’t say it enough, thank you to all who have served and continue to protect this country and make it a great place to live and work,” added Wiens.
All work at Great Canadian Oil Change is warranty-approved for every make and model of vehicle, foreign or domestic, and is done by experienced and qualified technicians.
Great Canadian Oil Change in Medicine Hat is located at 1870 Strachan Road Southeast
For more information contact:
Mike Wiens
Great Canadian Oil Change
306.527.7767
FREE Oil Changes in Kindersley for Canadian Veterans and Current Armed Forces Personnel
For Immediate Release
Thursday, November 5, 2020
FREE oil changes for Canadian veterans and current armed forces personnel
On Tuesday, November 10, Great Canadian Oil Change is proud to honour Canadian veterans and current armed forces personnel by giving them a free conventional oil change or $70 off any other oil change.
“We want to thank our veterans and current military members for their service,” said Mike Wiens, owner of Great Canadian Oil Change. “This is a small way for us to honour all those who have sacrificed to keep us safe.”
Veterans with a veteran license plate or members with current military identification can visit the Great Canadian Oil Change location in Kindersley to receive their free oil change. No appointment is needed.
“We can’t say it enough, thank you to all who have served and continue to protect this country and make it a great place to live and work,” added Wiens.
All work at Great Canadian Oil Change is warranty-approved for every make and model of vehicle, foreign or domestic, and is done by experienced and qualified technicians.
Great Canadian Oil Change in Kindersley is at 509 – 13th Avenue East
For more information contact:
Mike Wiens
Great Canadian Oil Change
306.527.7767
FREE Oil Changes in Regina for Canadian Veterans and Current Armed Forces Personnel
For Immediate Release
Thursday, November 5, 2020
FREE oil changes for Canadian veterans and current armed forces personnel
On Tuesday, November 10, Great Canadian Oil Change is proud to honour Canadian veterans and current armed forces personnel by giving them a free conventional oil change or $70 off any other oil change.
“We want to thank our veterans and current military members for their service,” said Mike Wiens, owner of Great Canadian Oil Change. “This is a small way for us to honour all those who have sacrificed to keep us safe.”
Veterans with a veteran license plate or members with current military identification can visit any Great Canadian Oil Change location in Regina to receive their free oil change. No appointment is needed.
“We can’t say it enough, thank you to all who have served and continue to protect this country and make it a great place to live and work,” added Wiens.
All work at Great Canadian Oil Change is warranty-approved for every make and model of vehicle, foreign or domestic, and is done by experienced and qualified technicians.
Great Canadian Oil Change – three Regina locations to serve you
- 3115 Quance Street East
- 907 Albert Street
- 4530 Rochdale Boulevard
For more information contact:
Mike Wiens
Great Canadian Oil Change
306.527.7767
Medicine Hat – Customer Appreciation Day – Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020
Great Canadian Oil Change Medicine Hat Location
Customer Appreciation Day
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020 from 8:00 am to 6 pm.
Please join us on Thursday, September 3 at the Medicine Hat location of Great Canadian Oil Change for our Customer Appreciation Day. There will be specials all day and prizes draws at the end of the day.
Oil Change specials: $25 off every oil change package!!!! $25 Oil Change coupons. Every 15th customer will get a FREE oil change. Random ½ price oil changes.
Some of the AWESOME prizes include: A 55 inch Smart TV, Bed Bath & Beyond gift certificate, Brown’s Social House gift certificate, Ace Liquor gift certificate, Optiks International gift certificate, Freshii gift certificate, and Great Clips gift certificate!
And best yet, we will be donating $10 from each and every oil change to Halo Air Rescue!
Everyone is automatically entered to win the prizes. The top prize is a 55 inch Smart TV.
We hope to see you there!
The Great Canadian Oil Change Medicine Hat Team
GCOC Kindersley Customer Appreciation Day July 30, 2020
Great Canadian Oil Change Kindersley Location
Customer Appreciation Day
Thursday, July 30, 2020 from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Cleaning up! Getting ready for the big day!
Please join us on Thursday, July 30 at the Kindersley location of Great Canadian Oil Change for our Customer Appreciation Day. There will be specials and prizes all day. $20 off every oil change. Every 15th customer will get a FREE oil change. Brittany from 104.9 FM will be onsite announcing even MORE prizes throughout the day. And best yet, we will be donating $10 from each and every oil change to West Central Abilities!
Everyone is automatically entered to win the prizes. The top prize is a 55 inch Smart TV.
We hope to see you there!
The Great Canadian Oil Change Kindersley Team
Medicine Hat Location Now Open
Medicine Hat Location Now Open at 1870 Strachan Road in Medicine Hat, Alberta
Welcome to the newest Great Canadian Oil Change franchise. As of Thursday, July 16, 2020 we have opened a new location in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Welcome to the best customer service oriented oil change and vehicle care shop in Medicine Hat, Alberta. We are located on Strachan Road. The Great Canadian Oil Change team offer warranty-approved conventional and synthetic oil changes, as well as coolant, transmission, and differential services. Get your windshield wiper blades and lights bulbs replaced when you visit. Our service is thorough yet quick, to get you back on the road fast. You will be wowed by our speedy and efficient service with a smile!
Come experience what we have at the Great Canadian Oil Change! Stop on by at 1870 Starchan Road in Medicine Hat today.
No Appointment is ever needed!
The Great Canadian Oil Change Team
GCOC Health Protocols in response to COVID-19
G.C.O.C. Health Protocols
Updated 08:59 CST, May 8, 2020
Company Process Adjustments
Message To Our Guests
- We have modified our hours. Regina: see hours here. Kindersley: see hours here.
- Keeping guests in their vehicles is even more important now.
- We are asking our guests to place their keys on top of their dashboards instead of into our key boxes.
- We are politely asking guests to reset their oil lights, with our verbal instructions, so that a team member is not required to sit in or lean into the vehicle.
- We will not require guests to sign invoices.
- Sorry! We will not be offering beverages to guests.
Message To Our Staff
- Maintain two (2) metres between you and everyone else.
- Staff should be wearing nitrile gloves at all times.
- We are suspending in-cabin, cabin air filter inspections for the time being.
- Wipe down POS machines after every guest.
- Offer to email guests their invoice.
- If you use the washrooms, please wipe down toilets and faucets after use.
- If sneezing and coughing occurs, be sure to use the elbow technique.
- As our local and federal government agencies recommend, we are reinforcing the message for everyone to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds and often.
- We should be constantly wiping down often-touched surfaces, such as door handles, faucets, toilets, handrails, printers and keyboards, on a more frequent basis.
- Avoid being within six feet of each other. This means 1. Stay out of employee room. 2. Bay ownership is more important than ever.
- Experiencing flu-like symptoms? Google “Sask health self asses” and follow the recommendations listed there.
Find up-to-date information at www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration- and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and- guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus
From the Great Canadian Oil Change Team in Regina and Kindersley
2020 Oil-a-Thon To Help Save Babies Lives
Oil A Thon – Great Canadian Oil Change in Regina on East Quance Street and on Rochdale Boulevard are making it easier than ever to get your oil changed AND help save babies lives!
Great Canadian Oil Change Quance Street and Rochdale Boulevard are having an Oil-a-thon to raise funds for the annual Z99 Radiothon for NICU!
What is an Oil A Thon????
If you find it tricky to get your oil changed during regular business hours, no problem! We will be offering oil changes for 36 hours straight starting Thursday, February 27 at 6 a.m. through to Friday, February 28 at 6 p.m.
$20 from each Oil Change will be donated to the Z99 Radiothon!
You’ll also have a chance to win some GREAT prizes!
If you cannot make the Oil A Thon, you can still make donations to the z99 Radiothon until March 19, 2019 at our 3 Regina locations – Albert and Quance and Rochdale…
From now until March 19 we are collecting donations toward the Z99 Radiothon at all three Great Canadian Oil Change locations in Regina: 907 Albert Street, 3112 East Quance Street and 4530 Rochdale Boulevard.
The Z99 Radiothon will be held on March 19 & 20 at the Cornwall Centre in Regina. 36 hours of fun starting at 6 am March 19!
Thank you for helping to save babies lives by donating toward equipment for the Rawlco Centre for Mother Baby Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Regina General Hospital.
See you at the Oil a Thon!
Visit Great Canadian Oil Change for the best Oil Changes and many other services