What is the purpose of a vehicle's differential?

The purpose of a vehicle's differential is to allow the wheels to rotate at different speeds, which is crucial for the proper handling and performance of a vehicle, especially when turning. When a vehicle goes around a curve, the outer wheels travel a greater distance than the inner wheels. The differential facilitates this by enabling the outer wheels to rotate faster than the inner wheels, thus ensuring smooth cornering without excessive tire wear or loss of traction.

In contrast, options related to increasing speed, absorbing shocks, or providing steering control do not directly represent the fundamental function of the differential system. While these components play essential roles in vehicle dynamics, they address different aspects of the vehicle's operation, such as acceleration, ride comfort, and directional stability.