What Is The Powertrain On A Car?

While some auto aficionados can give you a full rundown of your vehicle powertrain, others might be left wondering “What is the powertrain on a car anyway? And just what is the drivetrain?” The answer is that the vehicle powertrain is an overarching term for all the components that propel your car forward: the engine, transmission, driveshaft, axles, and differential. The powertrain plays a big role in the type of performance that your car generates, whether it’s built for comfort or athleticism. Want to find out more about what is a car powertrain? Serra Nissan of Traverse City is here to help with all of your powertrain maintenance needs.

Vehicle Powertrain Components

If you want to know what is a car powertrain, you need to break down each component separately. Here are the components of a typical vehicle powertrain:

• Engine: The engine begins the movement of the car. When you start the car, pistons move inside their cylinders rapidly. The car’s crankshaft then translates this momentum into forward motion.
• Transmission: The transmission, or gearbox, adjust the power output. The higher the speed and acceleration, the higher the gear.
• Driveshaft: The driveshaft takes the torque from the transmission and sends it to the wheels. The drivetrain also makes suspension adjustments on the fly for a smoother, more responsive ride.
• Axles: Between the wheels, you’ll find axles. The axles receive the power from the engine, and they translate it into tire rotation.
• Differential: The differential helps the wheels to move independently, like in the case of driving through a sharp corner.

Powertrain vs. Drivetrain: What is a Drivetrain?

Now you know the basics of what is a car powertrain, so what is a drivetrain? The terms powertrain vs. drivetrain are often used interchangeably around Bellaire, but they are actually different. The powertrain is made up of all the parts of your car that contribute to forward motion. The drivetrain is made up of all the parts of your car that move power to the wheels – or everything in the powertrain except the engine.

Learn More About Your Car’s Components with Serra Nissan of Traverse City

Still have questions about what is the powertrain on a car? Want to know more about the powertrain vs. drivetrain? We’re always happy to help at Serra Nissan of Traverse City. Contact us at Serra Nissan of Traverse City to learn more about everything automotive, and our auto experts would be happy to help you out. You can also visit us in Traverse City to chat in person!