What is the drivetrain?

The drivetrain provides power to the wheels so the vehicle can move. The drivetrain includes the transmission, engine, driveshaft, axles, wheels, and exhaust system, among other things. It’s a complex system with a lot of moving parts. There are also four types of drivetrain arrangements:

• Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• Front-wheel drive (FWD)
• Four-wheel drive (4WD)
• All-wheel drive (AWD)

Engine and Transmission

These two essential parts of the drivetrain are necessary for the car to run. The engine provides power to move your vehicle. The transmission allows your engine to function within a range of speeds whether the car is stopped, cruising or accelerating.

Clutch or Torque Converter

Between the engine and the transmission is a piece allowing your engine to keep running when the car isn’t moving. In an automatic transmission, this is done by the torque converter. With a manual transmission, it’s the clutch.

Differential

From the transmission, power then moves to the differential. This is a group of complex gears helping your wheels move at different speeds. This is important when you’re going around a corner, so the inside and outside wheels can move the speed they need to instead of locking.

Whether you drive a GMC or Jaguar, the skilled drivetrain repair experts at Christian Brothers Automotive in Sandy Springs, Georgia can take a look at any car’s drivetrain system to make sure everything is working well. Call our Sandy Springs auto repair shop for an appointment today, and discover the nice difference!