The Drivetrain

The drivetrain, also called the powertrain, is a group of components providing power to the wheels so the car or truck can move.

The drivetrain includes:

• Transmission
• Driveshaft
• Axles
• Wheels
• Engine
• Exhaust system

It’s a very complex system with a lot of moving parts. There are also four types of drivetrain arrangements – rear-wheel, front-wheel, four-wheel and all-wheel drive.

Engine and Transmission

The two central parts of your drivetrain are also two major car parts necessary for your vehicle to even function. The engine is what provides all the power to move your car down the road. The transmission allows your engine to operate within a range of speeds whether the car is stopped, accelerating or cruising.

Differential

Power then moves from the transmission to a component called the differential. This is a group of gears that allow your wheels to move at different speeds. When you’re going around a corner, the inside wheel is traveling a shorter distance than the outside wheel. The differential helps the outside wheel move more quickly to make up the difference. While all differentials serve the same purpose, there are different types of differentials.

Clutch or Torque Converter

The clutch and torque converters sit between your engine and transmission. In a manual transmission, the clutch allows the engine to be decoupled from the transmission, keeping the engine running when the vehicle isn’t moving. In an automatic transmission, this is done by the torque converter.

The knowledgeable auto repair experts at Christian Brothers Automotive in Amarillo, Texas can take a look at any car’s drivetrain system to make sure everything is working perfectly. Whether you drive a Nissan or Mercedes-Benz, we’ll get you taken care of. Call our Amarillo auto shop today to set up your drivetrain maintenance appointment. Discover the nice difference!