Editing Locking differential (section)

==Alternatives==
[[Limited-slip differential]]s (LSD) are considered a compromise between a standard differential and a locking differential because they operate more smoothly, and they do direct some extra torque to the wheel with the most traction compared to a standard differential, but are not capable of 100% lockup.<ref>{{cite web |title=Differential Spotters Guide |url=https://www.miata.net/garage/diffguide/index.html |website=Miata.net |date=2010-01-17 |access-date=2023-03-06 }}</ref>

[[Traction control system]]s are also used in many modern vehicles, either in addition to, or as a replacement of, locking differentials.  Examples include: [[Volkswagen]]'s electronic differential lock (EDL), [[Opel]]'s TC+ installed for the first time in Opel Astra G (2001), et cetera. This is not in fact a differential lock, but operates at each wheel. Sensors monitor wheel speeds, and if one is rotating more than a specified number of [[revolutions per minute]] (e.g. 100) than the other (i.e. slipping) the traction control system momentarily brakes it. This transfers more power to the other wheel,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/2153-vag-four-wheel-drive-systems-and-brand-names/ |title=VAG Four-Wheel Drive Systems and Brand Names }}</ref> but still employs the [[open differential]], which is the same as on cars without the EDL option. If all drive wheels lose traction, then throttle control may be automatically applied. Electronic traction control systems may be integrated with [[anti-lock braking]] systems, which have a similar action on braking and use some similar components.  Such systems are used for example on the most recent{{When|date=August 2021|reason=Model year needs to be specified.}} [[Nissan Pathfinder]], [[Land Rover Defender]], [[Land Rover Freelander]], the [[McLaren P1]] and the [[McLaren]] 650s.

Welded differential (commonly referred to as welded diff), the gears in a (open) differential are [[welded]] together as to function as if there was no differential. This is a cheap alternative for [[offroading]] or [[Drifting (motorsport)|drifting]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dan |date=2019-04-25 |title=What is a Welded Diff? Complete Guide & Pro's and Con's |url=https://procarreviews.com/welded-diff/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=Pro Car Reviews |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Network |first=Rare Car |date=2020-12-16 |title=Pros and cons of welding an open differential |url=https://www.rcnmag.com/tech/should-i-weld-my-differential |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=Rare Car Network |language=en}}</ref>

[[Individual wheel drive]] (IWD), using separate engines, motors and/or gearboxes for each wheel in a vehicle, so that there is no need for torque distribution with drivetrain components from a centralised location.