A car’s drivetrain includes all of the components necessary to transfer the engine’s energy to its wheels in order to make your vehicle move.
If you’ve ever talked about rear-wheel drive (RWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD), for example, you’ve talked about a vehicle’s drivetrain. Learn more about drivetrain, what it does for your vehicle, and how you can help keep it in tip-top shape.
What is a Drivetrain?
A car’s drivetrain connects the engine to the wheels enabling the vehicle to move. As the engine runs, the drivetrain helps send power through the transmission to the drive wheels.
A drivetrain may be the least understood part of a vehicle. This is due to several factors, including the fact that the term “drivetrain” is often used interchangeably with powertrain and driveline.
The drivetrain includes the transmission, the driveshaft, the axles, and the wheels. Simply put, it works in conjunction with the engine to move the wheels. The drivetrain system is an essential component of a vehicle and the transmission is an integral part of the drivetrain.
The drive wheels can be either the front wheels, rear wheels, or all the wheels — also known as front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive.
The Drivetrain and the Transmission
The drivetrain and the transmission are actually two very different concepts. The main function of the transmission is similar to the chain on a bicycle: it keeps the engine turning in time with the wheels, regardless of what gear the vehicle is in.
The drivetrain represents everything that is behind the transmission involved in propelling the vehicle.
The main function of the drivetrain is basically to convey power from the vehicle’s engine, through the transmission to the drive wheels on the vehicle to control the amount of torque. “Torque” is turning or twisting force.
Parts of a Drivetrain
Many times the terms ‘drivetrain’ and ‘powertrain’ are utilized interchangeably however, contrary to popular belief, they are not the same. So what exactly is the difference between powertrain elements and drivetrain components? The greatest difference is the way power is created and distributed to the car.
A drivetrain is not actually a solitary part of your car – it’s a group of drivetrain parts that collaborate with the engine to move the wheels and various parts of the car to drive it into motion.
These parts usually include the transmission, differential, driveshaft, axles, CV joints, and the wheels.
#1. Transmission.
At the heart of the drivetrain lies the transmission, a complex assembly responsible for managing gear ratios and transferring power to the wheels. Automatic and manual transmissions offer distinct driving experiences.
Automatic transmissions utilize hydraulic systems and torque converters, while manual transmissions require driver engagement to shift gears.
#2. Differential.
The differential is a critical component found in the drivetrain, especially in vehicles with multiple powered wheels, such as front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive configurations.
The differential enables each wheel to rotate at different speeds when turning, enhancing stability and preventing tire wear.
#3. Driveshaft.
The driveshaft, also known as the propeller shaft, connects the transmission to the differential, transmitting rotational power from the engine to the wheels.
Driveshafts are crucial in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, as they bridge the gap between the transmission and the rear axle.
#4. Axles.
Axles are integral components that connect the wheels to the differential, allowing power to be transferred to the wheels.
They come in various configurations, such as solid axles, independent axles, and semi-floating axles, depending on the vehicle’s design and purpose.
#5. Transfer Case.
Found in all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case distributes power between the front and rear axles.
Some transfer cases feature selectable modes, allowing drivers to choose between two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive options.
#6. Clutch (In Manual Transmissions).
In manual transmissions, the clutch is a key component that engages and disengages the engine from the transmission.
When the clutch pedal is depressed, the clutch disengages, allowing the driver to shift gears smoothly. Releasing the clutch pedal engages the transmission and transfers power to the wheels.
#7. Torque Converter (In Automatic Transmissions).
Automatic transmissions utilize a torque converter, which allows the engine to idle while the vehicle is stationary. The torque converter uses fluid coupling to transmit power from the engine to the transmission, eliminating the need for a clutch pedal.
How Does a Drivetrain Work?
Essentially, the parts of a drivetrain work together to make a vehicle move. It works by using the driveshaft’s connection to the engine to spin when power is supplied to by the engine.
This causes the transmission to turn, which occurs when the vehicle accelerates or slows down. The driveshaft will then cause the axles to spin, putting the wheels into motion. The car moves forward with the speed at which the driveshaft spins.
All these moving parts allow your vehicle to move as you control it with the steering wheel and pedals.
If any of these parts were to break, it would affect the other portions of the drivetrain. The next time you see your brake mechanic, ask them to inspect the rest of the drivetrain to ensure everything is working well.
Driveline, Drivetrain, Powertrain
Technicians sometimes refer to driveline, drivetrain, and powertrain interchangeably when referring to the drivetrain system of an automobile. This can cause confusion, but in essence, all of these terms describe the same system within the vehicle.
The powertrain in a vehicle is composed of everything that makes the vehicle move. This includes everything from the engine to the transmission to all the parts that allow the power from the engine to get to the wheels.
A vehicle’s driveline consists of all of the powertrain’s components except for the engine.
The drivetrain is the part of a motorized vehicle that connects the engine and transmission to the wheel axles.
The driveline includes everything in the chain from the engine to the drive wheels, but the drivetrain consists of everything after the transmission all driveshafts, axles, joints, differentials, and wheels.
What’s the Difference Between Powertrain and Drivetrain?
You might not know off the top of your head what the advantages are of comparing a drivetrain vs. a powertrain however when you recognize the differences between the two, it will provide you the advantage when vehicle purchasing, check out the technician.
Basically, powertrains and drivetrains essentially do the exact same thing. They produce kinetic energy to make your vehicle ‘go’. Now, chances are that you have never really thought about how vital these moving components are.
They’re the unsung heroes that get you from point A to point B and they each operate in their very own one-of-a-kind method.
What’s in A Powertrain?
If you understood the drivetrain fundamentals, the powertrain basics ought to be an easy idea to grasp, because of the reality that there is only one defining variable that sets them apart. That factor is the engine.
In a powertrain, the engine is a part of the many moving elements. If you keep in mind from the paragraph above, the drivetrain works with the engine.
The powertrain includes every moving component that is critical to the car’s success. Its sole objective is transforming kinetic energy into propulsion motion. If one of these components fails your car may experience some unusual rattling or shaking.
FAQs.
What does drivetrain mean on a car?
A drivetrain is not really a single part of your car – it’s a group of drivetrain parts that interact with the engine to move the wheels and various parts of the vehicle to thrust it into motion. These parts often include the transmission, differential, driveshaft, axles, CV joints, and the wheels.
Is drivetrain the same as transmission?
The term “drivetrain” usually refers to all the parts that transfer power from the engine to the wheels, so the transmission is actually part of the drivetrain, along with the axles, torque converter or clutch. “Power train” usually refers to all of these and the engine.
How do I know if my drivetrain is bad?
Excessive vibrations or shaking while driving can indicate an issue with the drivetrain. These vibrations can be felt in the steering wheel, floorboards, or seats. They may be a result of worn-out or damaged drivetrain components, such as the driveshaft, CV joints, or wheel bearings.
What is AWD drivetrain?
All-wheel drive: A drivetrain that employs a front, rear and center differential to provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle. As the name implies, all-wheel-drive systems power both the front and rear wheels all the time.
How serious is a drivetrain malfunction?
While you might be able to drive with a drivetrain malfunction warning for a short distance, it’s not recommended to do so for an extended period. Driving with this warning could lead to further damage and compromise your vehicle’s safety.