What does a driver controlled differential lock do?

What does a driver controlled differential lock do?

• A. Locks the differential so wheels turn at the same speed.
• B. Unlocks the differential.
• C. Applies brakes to all wheels.
• D. Increases engine torque to all wheels.

Answer: (A)

A differential lock forces the two wheels on an axle to rotate together, so they turn at the same speed. In normal operation, a differential lets wheels spin at different rates to handle turning. When the lock is engaged, that separation is eliminated, and power is sent to both wheels equally. This improves traction on low-grip surfaces like mud, snow, or loose gravel because if one wheel starts to spin, the other can still push. It doesn’t unlock the differential, it doesn’t apply brakes to all wheels, and it doesn’t increase engine torque to all wheels—the engine’s torque is just distributed differently when the lock is on. Use it at low speeds and straight paths, and disengage before turning to avoid drivetrain binding.

A differential lock forces the two wheels on an axle to rotate together, so they turn at the same speed. In normal operation, a differential lets wheels spin at different rates to handle turning. When the lock is engaged, that separation is eliminated, and power is sent to both wheels equally. This improves traction on low-grip surfaces like mud, snow, or loose gravel because if one wheel starts to spin, the other can still push. It doesn’t unlock the differential, it doesn’t apply brakes to all wheels, and it doesn’t increase engine torque to all wheels—the engine’s torque is just distributed differently when the lock is on. Use it at low speeds and straight paths, and disengage before turning to avoid drivetrain binding.