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Differential tuning — accel, decel, and the magic of "lock"

The diff decides what your two drive wheels do when one is loaded and the other isn't. Mastering it is half of going fast.

The three numbers

  • Accel — how locked together the drive wheels are when you're on the throttle. High = both spin together (good for launch and forward drive). Low = they can spin independently (good for tight turn rotation).
  • Decel — how locked together they are when you lift. High = engine braking on both wheels (can lock the rear and spin you). Low = they decouple (smoother lift, less spin risk).
  • Preload (some games) — base lock applied always. Sets the floor; FH usually buries this.

Quick guidelines

Use caseAccelDecel
Drag, launch, straight-line95-100%0-15%
RWD grip / time attack50-65%15-25%
RWD drift95-100%60-90%
AWD grip45-60%15-25%
FWD all-round40-55%5-15%

The "snap" diagnostic

If you're spinning on lift-off mid-corner: decel diff is too high. Drop it 15-20% and retest. If you're lazy off the corner with inside-wheel spin: accel diff is too low. Raise it 10-15%. If you're pushing wide on power: accel diff might be too HIGH for the car (especially FWD/AWD). Drop it 10%.

Differential tuning — accel, decel, and the magic of "lock" — Driver Academy