While welded differentials have advantages in some specific situations, such as drifting or racing, they have a number of significant disadvantages in everyday driving and other uses. Let’s take a closer look at the main disadvantages of welding a differential.
1. Hard traction when turning
A welded differential completely locks the wheels on either side of the rear axle, meaning they must spin at the same speed under all conditions. In normal driving, especially when cornering, the inside and outside tires require different rotational speeds to adapt to the curvature of the bend. A welded differential cannot allow for this difference in rpm, causing the inner wheels to “spin” when the vehicle turns, causing the tires to drag on the ground or make a squealing noise.
This forced locking not only affects the driving experience, but also increases the difficulty of the vehicle turning at low speeds, especially in parking lots or on narrow curves in the city. This can make daily driving very inconvenient, especially for drivers who need to operate frequently at low speeds.
2. Accelerated Tire Wear
A welded differential will significantly increase the rate at which your tires wear out, especially on dry pavement, since the tires won’t perform properly when cornering. This unnatural drag and slip can cause your tires to flatten quickly and shorten their lifespan significantly. For those car owners who frequently drive in the city or on the highway, this means increased tire replacement frequency, resulting in higher repair costs.
3. Reduced Driving Comfort
Not only does a welded differential make it difficult to turn, it can also make your vehicle less comfortable to drive overall. On uneven roads or speed bumps, because the rear wheels cannot rotate independently, the vehicle’s suspension system will receive more impact, causing the driver to feel stronger vibrations. In addition, because the vehicle will force the tires to slip every time it turns, the passengers in the vehicle will also feel greater discomfort.
4. Hazards on Slippery Roads
Welded differentials perform extremely poorly in slippery, icy, or muddy conditions. In these conditions, the vehicle’s grip is often already limited, and a welded differential increases the likelihood of the tires losing grip. Since the rear wheels cannot rotate freely, the vehicle is more likely to drift or skid when turning, greatly increasing the risk of losing control. For those motorists who live in cold or rainy areas, this can become a huge safety hazard.
5. Increased Stress on Suspension Components
Not only are welded differentials harmful to your tires, they also place additional strain on your vehicle’s suspension and drivetrain. Because the rear wheels are always locked, when the vehicle faces turns, bumps, or other complex road conditions, the suspension system cannot disperse the impact force as effectively as a vehicle equipped with a conventional differential. This extra stress can cause increased wear and tear on suspension components, or even premature failure.
6. Difficulty Operating at Low Speeds
In addition to cornering issues in everyday driving, a welded differential presents a noticeable inconvenience in any low-speed operation. For example, parking, turning around, and maneuvering the vehicle in tight spaces will become more difficult. This inflexibility at low speeds makes vehicles with welded differentials extremely inconvenient for city driving or daily use.
7. Legal and Insurance Issues
Welded differential modifications may not meet road safety standards in some areas and may therefore face legal issues. In some cases, insurance companies may also deny compensation if a welded differential causes an accident. In addition, car owners who fail to inform their insurance companies of such modifications may face the risk of having their policies invalidated. Therefore, car owners need to understand the relevant laws and communicate with their insurance company before making such modifications.
Conclusion
Although a welded differential can provide extra traction during drifting or specific sports, it brings too much inconvenience and risk in daily driving. From cornering handling issues and tire wear to the dangers of slippery roads, welded differentials are not ideal for everyday driving needs. If you primarily drive on the highway, or want a comfortable and safe daily commuter, a limited slip differential (LSD) or other differential type will be more suitable.
In contrast, a welded differential is more like an extreme modification for a specific purpose and is less suitable for most drivers’ daily use scenarios.
