What Is The Powertrain On A Car?

You might know how to work every high-tech feature in your car like a pro, but getting under the hood can be intimidating for any driver. So, what is the powertrain on a car anyway? The vehicle powertrain is the term for all components that move your vehicle forward. This includes everything from the engine to the axles to the differential. Some powertrains are built for a high-performance driving experience, while others are built to maximize comfort on the road. This guide will cover common questions like “What is a car powertrain?” and “What’s the difference between a powertrain vs. drivetrain?”

Vehicle Powertrain Components

What is a car powertrain exactly? A vehicle powertrain is a system of multiple components working together to move your vehicle through the Bartow roads. A typical vehicle powertrain will include the following parts.

• Engine: Your engine is the starting point for your vehicle. When your engine starts up in Winter Haven, pistons move inside the cylinders. The crankshaft utilizes this energy to initiate movement.

• Transmission: The transmission is responsible for adjusting the engine output. When accelerating rapidly, it chooses a higher gear to use this extra power. When driving slowly, it picks a lower gear instead.

• Driveshaft: The driveshaft transmits the torque from the transmission to the wheels. While doing so, suspension adjustments are made to smooth out any bumps in the road.

• Axles: The torque from the driveshaft causes the axles to begin to rotate, sending the wheels into motion.

• Differential: The differential allows wheels to move independently. When making a hairpin turn or driving through a sharp corner, your differentials will keep your vehicle firmly planted.

Powertrain vs. Drivetrain: What is a Drivetrain?

We’ve covered the question, “What is the powertrain on a car?” How about the drivetrain? Both words sound similar, and some Auburndale drivers use them interchangeably. But there’s a distinction between the powertrain vs. drivetrain. As we mentioned, the vehicle powertrain consists of all car parts that move the vehicle forward. The drivetrain consists of all vehicle parts that send power to the wheels. In short, the drivetrain is the powertrain excluding the engine.

Learn All About Your Vehicle with Kelley Automotive Group

Now you know “What is a car powertrain?” and “What’s the difference between the powertrain vs. drivetrain?” But if you still have any questions about how your vehicle performs in Lakeland, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact us with questions about all things automotive and schedule an appointment with our service center if your car could use a little TLC.