Although the phrase “drive train” is used frequently, its meaning is actually quite ambiguous. The “power train” is the general term for the engine, transmission, and the parts that connect them to the wheels. The drive train, on the other hand, can be defined as those parts that come between the engine and transmission to connect them to the wheels.
All of these definitions are more associated with warranties than the actual terms used to define the mechanics of a car. Every manufacturer has a slightly different definition – for example, a manufacturer may offer a 100,000 mile drive train warranty. However, the parts that are covered under this warranty vary based on how they define the drive train – it may not include the engine or transmission, both parts that are more likely to fail and are considerably expensive to repair.
A second manufacturer may offer a 100,000 mile power train warranty that includes the transmission but not the engine, which is better than the first example, but still not ideal for the consumer. A third manufacturer may offer a 50,000 mile power train warranty, which, on first glance, may not seem like as good of a deal, except that the fine print shows that the engine, transmission, and “drive train” are included. In this scenario, the third manufacturer gives you better coverage that’s more likely to be meaningful to you as you actually use the car.
When you get down to the nuts and bolts of fixing a car, the term “drive train” really isn’t going to help you. What you do need to know is that the parts collectively termed the drive train are essential to the operation and safety to the car. In short, they are what holds the wheels on the car. If you have a serious problem with your drive train, the wheels can literally fall off your car while you’re driving at highway speeds.
Serious vibration felt in the steering column is a major clue that there you have a drive train problem. Unfortunately, other clues are usually absent. The major question to ask when you experience this kind of vibration is do you drive the car at 5 mph to the mechanic or do you have it towed to the mechanic. Living with the problem, or postponing repairs, is most emphatically not an option. To do so endangers your life and the lives of everyone else on the road.
When other mechanical issues occur in a car, they almost never impact your ability to control the car. If part of the drive train fails, your ability to control the car is gone. No longer do you have a responsive automobile – instead, you’re the unwitting occupant of a 3,500 pound metal bullet that’s heading at whatever speed you were driving last, toward whatever direction you were pointed last, and targeting anything and anyone who happens to be in its path. You can’t underestimate the dangers of a drive train failure.
However, while the seriousness of a drive train failure can’t be overstated, the good news is that these are some of the heaviest and most well-designed and stable parts of a car. It’s extremely unlikely that you’ll have a problem with this system, but regular car maintenance will ensure that you have no issues with your drive train.
