Keskidifferentaalia

Keskidifferentaalia refers to a type of gear mechanism found in vehicles, often referred to in English as a center differential or inter-axle differential. Its primary function is to allow for different rotational speeds between the front and rear axles of a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle. When a vehicle turns, the wheels on the outside of the turn travel a greater distance and therefore rotate faster than the wheels on the inside. Without a center differential, this speed difference would cause stress on the drivetrain, leading to tire wear, reduced handling, and potential mechanical damage, especially on surfaces with good traction.

The center differential works by distributing torque to both the front and rear axles. In its simplest form, it allows one axle to rotate faster than the other when necessary, such as during a turn. This is crucial for maintaining smooth operation and preventing drivetrain binding. Many modern four-wheel-drive systems utilize a center differential, often integrated into the transfer case, to provide the benefits of all-wheel drive without compromising on-road drivability. It plays a key role in ensuring that power is sent to both axles while accommodating the speed variations inherent in cornering.