Differential Locking (shortened to Diff. Lock in-game) is a gameplay mechanic in Spintires, MudRunner, and SnowRunner.
SpinTires and MudRunner[]
Diff lock is activated by a single button except in Hardcore, where it is unavailable for automatic shifting. Diff Lock forces all powered wheels to rotate at the same speed, improving traction and preventing them from digging into mud. This weakens the vehicle's handling and in Hardcore mode and can damage the vehicle when on hard surfaces unless disabled in time. It shuts off whenever if the vehicle does take damage from its use.
Some vehicles like the C-65115 do not have it, limiting their utility to asphalt roads only as Differential Locking is often essential off-road. Some others like the K-700 and B-66 have it permanently engaged, giving them a massive advantage off-road, while still benefitting from automatic gear without causing damage when driving on hard surfaces at the cost of road performance and potentially fuel consumption.
SnowRunner[]
SnowRunner introduces the ability for certain trucks to get Diff Lock, if they do not have it. Trucks like the Ford CLT9000 or the Transtar 4070A cannot have diff lock at all, some trucks like the GMC MH9500 can have their Diff Lock found in the world which can then be used and some trucks like the Voron AE-4380 have their diff lock always on. For vehicles without permanent Diff Locks, driving with it engaged on hard surfaces can damage the gearbox, and for those that have it always on, they compensate with increased fuel consumption.
Always on Differential locks have a noticeable difference in their behavior when compared to switchable diff locks. Switchable diff locks function very similarly to true differential locks that lock both wheels together for equal traction while always on differential locks function like limited slip differentials. Limited slip differentials (LSDs) allow each wheel to rotate at different speeds while ensuring each wheel is able to maintain power and traction. This difference in handling and difference in wheel spin is more noticeable on massive trucks like the KOLOB's than other trucks.
List of Diff. Lock types[]
Expeditions[]
In Expeditions, only two types of diff. locking are featured - engageable and always on.
List of Diff. Lock types[]
Engageable diff. lockEngageable differential lock is a type of differential lock which is by default installed on trucks which have switchable differential lock. It is engaged by hitting a button though depending on the control scheme.
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Always on diff. lockAlways On differential lock is an differential lock. This differential lock cannot be disengaged.
Trivia[]
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