What is limited-slip differential? Slip differential explained
Read our guide to find out what is limited-slip differential and how it improves your drive
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What does a limited-slip differential do?
A limited-slip differential (LSD) is a system in some vehicles that helps to reduce wheelspin while improving the traction of your car.
The LSD system will switch up the torque sent to each wheel to ensure you maintain a full grip on the road, especially during track days, off-roading or in testing weather.
These systems are most common on 4x4s and sports cars, as the main aim of the LSD is to improve the performance and handling of your car.
Put simply, limited-slip differential setups do what they say on the tin: they limit the amount of slip from your car’s wheels so proper power can be applied.
History of limited-slip differential
Limited-slip differential has its roots back in 1935 when it was created to limit wheelspin on Gran Prix cars.
First commissioned by Ferdinand Porsche, it wasn’t long before the tech was being utilised in off-roading vehicles and later in the high-power sports cars we see on the roads today.
Different LSD systems have since been developed for different needs, including two and one-way systems.
How does a limited-slip differential work?
At the basic level, limited-slip differential works by redistributing the power from your car’s engine to the wheels with the most grip.
It does this using a mechanical system or by using electronics, or could use a combination of both.
LSD works differently depending on the type of car you’re driving. In a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the LSD system focuses on reducing the amount of unneeded torque steer that’s sent to your front wheels.
This allows the car to handle steering better and enjoy any added power.
What does a limited-slip differential do in a 4x4?
In a four-wheel-drive vehicle, the LSD setup focuses on sending more power to the wheels of the car with the most grip.
If you’re driving across uneven terrain and not all your wheels are firmly on the ground, your limited-slip setup will send power to the wheels that are stable and on the road.
There are also different types of limited-slip differential, including two-way and one-way systems.
Two-way is most likely used in rear-wheel- and four-wheel-drive cars to aid the car when it’s slowing down, as well as when it’s accelerating.
One-way limited-slip is mostly used in front-wheel-drive cars, where the system will only engage while accelerating.
How are open differential and limited-slip differential different?
Open differential will always send power to the wheel with the least resistance, so can lead to wheel spins if you’re driving on surfaces like snow, mud, ice, or any other low-friction surface.
This is especially true if you’re on an uneven surface. For example, if you’re parked up a curb and one wheel is on the pavement while the other is parked in a puddle, the wet wheel could lose traction and struggle under the open differential system.
As LSD sends power to the wheels with the most grip and stability, you’re less likely to experience loss of grip on the roads.
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Is limited-slip differential worth it?
Limited-slip differential might not be a feature you’ll be looking out for when purchasing a new car, but it’s a great safety addition to models that need some extra support and grip.
If you’re shopping for an off-roading vehicle or 4x4 SUV, having LSD fitted can keep you out of bother when heading off the beaten track.
Limited-slip in models that are rear-wheel drive or offer high power can also be helpful for safety and making sure that power is distributed to the best standard. Models like the Mazda MX-5 and BMW M3 include LSD as standard.
You might also want to consider limited-slip if you’re looking for a track car. This can help you avoid wheel spins and feel more in control around the track.
For the most part, if your car comes with limited-slip differential then the manufacturer would have considered how this would improve your performance, and you can generally trust them to know what’s best for your car.
LSD cars: which models have limited-slip?
Plenty of popular cars come with LSD set-ups to make for the best possible traction. Not all models and trims come with the feature, but you can expect LSD in cars such as:
BMW M models like the M2