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Our car maintenance tips and tricks
Feb 17

WHAT DOES THE DRIVETRAIN DO AND WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF IT?

The drivetrain of a car consists of all of the components required to transmit the engine’s energy to the wheels and propel the vehicle forward. If you’ve ever discussed a vehicle’s drivetrain, for example, you’ve discussed rear-wheel drive (RWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD). Learn more about your vehicle’s powertrain, what it does, and how you can help keep it in good health.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE DRIVETRAIN?

The drivetrain of an automobile links the engine to the wheels, allowing it to move. The drivetrain aids in the gearbox’s delivery of power to the drive wheels when the engine operates. Front wheels, rear wheels, or all wheels can be used as driving wheels.

HOW DOES THE DRIVETRAIN WORKS?

The gearbox, which regulates the power transfer from the engine to the wheels, is the first component of the drivetrain. The tube-shaped driveshaft connecting to the gearbox rotates swiftly, delivering power to the rear differential, to get the engine power where it needs to go. Power is sent to the rear axles and subsequently to the rear wheels through the rear differential.

However, with front-wheel-drive cars, all of this action is concentrated in the front. There is no driveshaft to transfer engine power to the rear wheels. The transaxle, on the other hand, performs that function. The term “transaxle” refers to a housing that houses both the transmission and the axle.

While it’s typical to discuss the transmission and drivetrain separately, keep in mind that the two are inextricably linked.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DRIVETRAINS?

There are four different types of drivetrains:

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

All powertrain systems follow the same fundamental operating principles, with AWD and 4WD employing more complex controls to transfer power to all four wheels. Even in adverse weather or off-road circumstances, the power of all-wheel and four-wheel drivetrains provides for a more robust driving experience.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH DRIVETRAIN TYPE I HAVE?

Much of the information you need to know about your car’s powertrain type may be found in its owner’s handbook. However, if the manual isn’t available, there’s another method to find out. Look under the hood of your car and see whether the engine is placed sideways. As a result, the belts will also be facing sideways. It’s probably FWD if the belts are facing one side of the car or the other. 

Your vehicle is likely RWD if the engine is situated front-to-back with the belts facing you when you stand in the front of the car. It’s not as necessary to know what sort of powertrain you have as it is to recognise the signs of a malfunctioning drivetrain.

  • The following are some of the most common symptoms of a failing drivetrain:
  • Strange noises
  • Fluid leaks
  • Vibrations
  • Shifting issues
  • The “check engine” light is lighted.

SMART MECHANICS CAN ASSIST IN KEEPING YOU ENERGIZED.

It’s one thing to figure out what kind of powertrain your car has. It’s another thing to keep it up! Visit a Smart Mechanics Car Servicing in Essex, for complete car maintenance and inspections on systems including the drivetrain, steering, suspension, and more! To assist you obtain the best auto maintenance, our professionals are trained to recognise your vehicle’s needs depending on make and model.

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