Understanding Your Vehicle's Drivetrain
Owning a vehicle can be expensive, especially if something goes wrong.
One of the best ways to avoid costly repairs to your vehicle is by understanding the various systems that make your car or truck run, and one of the essential systems in all vehicles is the drivetrain.
What is the Drivetrain
Sometimes called the powertrain, the drivetrain consists of all of the components that generate power and propel your vehicle. Including every component from the engine to the drive wheels, this system's three main segments are the engine, the transmission and the driveline.
Transmission: Manual Versus Automatic
One of the central components of every vehicle, the transmission allows the vehicle to change gears while accelerating or decelerating.
When it comes to transmissions, drivers have two primary options: manual or automatic.
With manual transmissions, the driver must manually shift from one gear to the next, using a clutch in between each gear shift. With automatic transmissions, all the driver has to do is put the car in "Drive" - the vehicle then shifts itself based on a series of engine load and vehicle speed signals.
So which transmission option is better? It all really depends on the driver's preference.
Manual Transmission Pros- A manual transmission provides greater control over the gear selection. For example, a manual transmission can come in handy in tough climate conditions or when negotiating a steep curve.
- A manual transmission can save you money. The mileage on an automatic transmission is about 10 percent lower than on a manual transmission, which is why automatic transmissions are known to consume more fuel. Additionally, manual transmissions cost less than automatic transmissions, a feature that can add at least $700 to the price of a new car.
- In general, an automatic transmission is easier to operate than a manual transmission, which is a big plus if you are stuck in "stop-and-go" traffic.
- With an automatic transmission, your left foot is free - because there is no clutch - and you can keep both of your hands on the wheel - because you do not need to worry about shifting gears.
Driveline: Front-, Rear- and All-Wheel Drives
When it comes to a vehicles' driveline, drivers have three primary choices: front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
With front-wheel drive systems, the front wheels both steer and propel the vehicle, while with a rear-wheel drive system, the rear wheels are responsible for propelling the vehicle. In all-wheel drive vehicles, all four wheels propel the vehicle.
As with transmission choices, each driveline option offers its own pros.
Front-Wheel Drive Pros- Front-wheel drive systems take up less space so cars with this system often have more cabin room for people and cargo.
- Front-wheel drive vehicles often provide better fuel economy because front-wheel drive systems weigh less.
- Front-wheel drive systems offer improved traction in wet weather conditions.
- Rear-wheel drive systems offer better weight distribution over the front and rear of the vehicle, allowing for nimbler handling.
- Service on rear-wheel drive vehicles is often easier because the components are spread out.
- There is less wear and tear on the system because the front tires do not have to both steer and pull the car.
- Vehicles with all-wheel drive systems offer the maximum traction on a variety of surfaces.