What is the benefit of a limited slip differential?

A limited-slip differential improves traction and control by distributing torque to the wheel with more grip, reducing wheel spin and helping the vehicle accelerate, steer, and brake more reliably in slippery or uneven conditions.

Placed between an open differential and a locked axle, LSDs use mechanisms such as clutch packs, gears, or viscous elements to limit differential action and share torque as needed. The result is a more predictable drive under power, through corners, and during braking, especially when surfaces are patchy or slick.

Improved traction and handling in everyday driving

Before you rely on the list, here are the practical benefits you’ll notice in day-to-day driving on variable surfaces:

• Better power transfer on wet or low-friction surfaces, reducing wheel spin


• More confident acceleration out of corners, especially on slippery roads


• Improved cornering stability by distributing torque toward the wheel with better grip


• Reduced tendency for one wheel to dominate power when the other loses traction


• Smoother, more predictable torque delivery, improving ride comfort compared with a fully open differential

In daily use, these effects translate into more predictable performance in rain, snow, or light ice, and smoother acceleration and steering under challenging conditions.

Impact on performance driving and safety

For enthusiasts and safety-conscious drivers, LSDs can affect launch and corner exit feel, improving consistency and control:

• Faster, more repeatable acceleration from a standstill or when exiting corners on wet or variable surfaces


• Better braking stability as the differential helps keep traction balanced under deceleration


• More predictable handling through corners with reduced understeer and improved steering feel


• Reduced tire wear from excessive wheel spin and more even load distribution across the axle

However, LSDs cannot create grip where there is none; tires, suspension, and driving style remain critical to overall performance.

Types and practical implications

Different LSD designs affect how aggressively torque is shared and how the car feels during routine and spirited driving. Clutch-type LSDs deliver strong, immediate grip when power is applied, but can feel harsher or more resistant during low-load conditions. Viscous LSDs offer smoother action but can lose effectiveness as heat builds. Gear-type or Torsen-style LSDs provide continuous self-locking with generally balanced performance across wet and dry surfaces. The best choice depends on vehicle type, typical conditions, and how you use the car.

Choosing the right LSD involves balancing daily drivability with desired performance characteristics, taking into account tires, suspension, and driving intent.

Summary: A limited-slip differential enhances traction, stability, and driveability by sharing torque between wheels with better grip, especially in rain, snow, and mixed conditions. Different implementations offer trade-offs between immediacy of grip, smoothness, and off-road or track suitability, so the best fit depends on your vehicle and how you drive.

Which is better, limited slip or open differential?

An LSD is better than an open differential for performance driving, as it provides better traction by sending power to both wheels, which is beneficial for high-speed cornering, accelerating, and drifting. An open differential is cheaper and sufficient for most daily driving, as it is smooth and predictable in normal conditions but will lose traction and send power to the wheel with the least grip in challenging situations.
 
Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

• How it works: It limits the speed difference between the two wheels, biasing torque to the wheel with more grip instead of sending all power to the slipping wheel. 
• Best for: Performance driving, track use, and slippery conditions. 
• Advantages:
  • Improves traction during acceleration and cornering. 
  • Makes drifting possible and easier to control. 
  • Helps prevent one wheel from spinning uselessly on low-traction surfaces. 
  • Can reduce understeer in front-wheel drive cars. 
• Disadvantages:
  • More complex and expensive. 
  • Some types may cause a slight "grab" in tight turns or under deceleration. 

Open Differential

• How it works: It allows the wheels to spin at different speeds, sending power to the wheel with the least amount of traction. 
• Best for: Everyday driving. 
• Advantages:
  • Simple, reliable, and inexpensive. 
  • Smooth and predictable handling in normal road conditions. 
  • No "grabbing" or binding in tight turns. 
• Disadvantages:
  • If one wheel loses traction (e.g., on ice or during hard cornering), it will send all power to that wheel and the vehicle will lose acceleration. 
  • Makes drifting very difficult. 
  • Less effective in slippery conditions and high-performance situations. 

What are the disadvantages of limited slip differentials?

The main disadvantages of a limited slip differential (LSD) are increased cost, higher maintenance needs, and potential for more uneven tire wear. LSDs are more complex and expensive than open differentials, and some types require special additives, frequent fluid changes, and have clutches that can wear out. Improperly matched tires or heavy driving can also cause premature clutch wear or jerking.
 
Cost and complexity

• Higher upfront cost: LSDs are more expensive to manufacture and purchase than open differentials. 
• Mechanical complexity: The added components make the system more complex, increasing the potential for more intricate repairs. 

Maintenance and longevity

• Increased maintenance: LSDs typically require more frequent fluid changes and sometimes special additives to keep the friction plates or clutches lubricated and functioning correctly. 
• Wear and tear: The friction components in clutch-based LSDs can wear out over time, necessitating replacement. 
• Tire wear: Uneven torque distribution can lead to more uneven wear between tires. Mismatched tire sizes (even a small difference) can cause the LSD to slip unnecessarily and accelerate wear. 

Performance and drivability

• Not 100% power to one wheel: Unlike a welded differential, an LSD limits power transfer, meaning it can't send all power to a single wheel if one has zero traction. 
• Potential for jerking: Some types of LSDs can cause jerking or noise during cornering, especially if they are set up with heavy pre-load. 
• Less effective in certain conditions: While it improves traction in many situations, some specific scenarios, like a single tire on ice, may benefit more from an open differential's "spinning" to move the vehicle. Heavy use in conditions like a wet burnout box can cause overheating and kill clutch packs. 

What happens if you don't add limited slip additive?

If you don't add limited slip additive, you may experience chatter (noise and vibration) when turning, leading to premature wear in the differential's clutches and potential performance issues. While many modern gear oils contain pre-formulated additives, some differentials, particularly those with new or worn clutches, may still require an additive to operate smoothly and efficiently. 
Consequences of not using a limited slip additive

• Chatter and noise: The primary function of the additive is to reduce friction between the clutch plates in the differential. Without it, the clutches can repeatedly stick and slip, causing a distinct chattering or shuddering noise and vibration, especially during turns. 
• Increased wear: The inconsistent engagement of the clutches from chatter can cause abnormal wear on the clutch packs and other components over time. 
• Degraded performance: The differential may not function as intended, potentially leading to less effective traction and control during cornering or low-traction situations. 

What you can do

• Check your gear oil: Many high-quality gear oils are now formulated with the necessary friction modifiers to work in limited-slip differentials. Check your vehicle's manual and the oil bottle to see if it specifies "contains friction modifiers" or "for limited-slip differentials". 
• Test your differential: A quick way to check if your limited-slip differential needs an additive is to turn sharply. If you hear or feel the chattering, it's a good indication that the additive is needed. 
• Add the correct additive: If the chattering occurs, adding a friction modifier can eliminate the issue. It's important not to add too much, as this can cause the differential to slip excessively and perform like an open differential. 

What are the advantages of a limited slip diff?

How do Limited Slip Differentials work? A limited slip differential, or LSD, reduces individual wheelspin and improves traction on a car. When a wheel has lost traction, the limited slip differential senses this and sends power to the wheel with the most grip.