The characteristic of the frictional torque over the differential speeds of the output shafts of the described self-regulating differential lock is shown in the figure. A variation of the input torque is not considered in this diagram.
The transitional range of the higher static frictional torque to the constant locking torque in the range of sliding friction can be noticed in differential locks which operate based on mechanical friction. The frictional torque of the differential lock with visco-hydraulic however, degressively increases over the differential speed and thus provides a soft transition. In the transitional range, however, the visco-lock allows higher differential speeds when compared to mechanical locks. On a road covered by snow, this can lead to so-called "polishing" of the road, such that even with an increasing locking effect driving is no more possible. Here, differentials which already generate high locking effects at small differential speeds, are significantly better. This has led to a higher developmental effort in the direction of differential locks with regulating effect.