It is OK to drive a car with a welded differential as a daily driver, but it is not usually recommended. A welded differential locks the wheels on both sides, causing them to rotate at the same speed at all times. This setup is popular in drifting and racing because it provides maximum traction, but it can cause many problems in daily driving.
Handling Issues in Turns
In daily driving, the inside and outside wheels of a vehicle need to rotate at different speeds when turning, and a welded differential prevents this, resulting in:
Increased tire wear: Because the inside wheel is forced to rotate at the same speed as the outside wheel, the tire will slip or drag on the road, causing the tire to wear faster and unevenly.
Poor handling: When turning at low speeds, such as parking or turning sharply, the vehicle will become difficult to control, and the tire may even make a “jumping” or “squeaking” sound.
Tire Wear and Suspension Stress
Because the rear wheels are locked, a welded differential will cause the tires to wear quickly on dry roads. In addition, components such as the suspension system, rubber bushings and axles will be subjected to greater stress, which may shorten the life of these components or cause them to fail earlier.
Reduced Safety in Wet or Icy Conditions
Welded differentials make vehicles more unpredictable on slippery roads or in icy conditions. Because the tires on both sides are forced to rotate at the same speed, there is a greater risk of losing grip, especially when the rear wheels slip, which makes it easier for the vehicle to lose control (swing). In this case, the vehicle is more likely to have an accident.
Uncomfortable Ride
The wheels are always locked, which makes the vehicle feel less stable when driving, especially on potholes or uneven roads, where the vehicle’s driving will become more stiff and uncomfortable. Welded differentials also make the driving experience more “rough”, especially when the tires jump when turning.
Increased Fuel Consumption
Because welded differentials cause the vehicle to increase rolling resistance when turning, fuel consumption will increase accordingly. This will reduce fuel efficiency compared to standard open or limited slip differentials.
Legal and Insurance Issues
In some areas, it may be illegal to use a welded differential, especially for safety reasons. In addition, if the insurance company finds that the welded differential caused the accident, they may deny the claim. Therefore, it is important to understand local regulations and communicate with the insurance company before making this modification.
What are welded differentials suitable for?
Welded differentials are best suited for drift cars, track cars, or off-road vehicles that need maximum traction on soft surfaces. If your car is mainly used for drifting or racing, and only occasionally driven on public roads, then a welded differential may be acceptable. However, for daily use vehicles, the disadvantages of welded differentials clearly outweigh the advantages.
Conclusion
While you can drive a car equipped with a welded differential on a daily basis, it will greatly affect the vehicle’s handling, comfort, safety, and durability. If you are looking for a balance between performance and daily driving, a limited slip differential (LSD) would be a better choice.
