Guaranteed propulsion Differential locks

If one of the wheels on an axle loses grip and starts spinning, propulsive power has to be diverted to the other wheel by this axle’s differential. This used to take place by means of a mechanical differential lock.

Now the Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) is used. This transfers the excess power of the spinning wheel to the other wheels with better traction. If on an Audi with quattro permanent four-wheel drive both wheels on an axle start spinning, the continuously controlled locking of the centre differential makes sure that most of the torque is transmitted to the other axle. In this way, propulsion is guaranteed in almost all situations.