1.18 Knowing the parts of a vehicle: Drive system

The drive system is one of the most vital parts of a vehicle. He is responsible for transferring engine energy to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move. Understanding this system is crucial to properly maintaining your vehicle and ensuring its optimal performance.

What is the Traction System?

The drivetrain, also known as the drivetrain, is made up of several parts, including the clutch, transmission, driveshaft, differential, and drive wheels. Each of these parts plays a crucial role in the operation of the traction system.

Clutch

The clutch is the first part of the drive system. It connects the engine to the transmission and allows the driver to control the amount of power that is transferred to the transmission. The clutch is made up of a clutch disc, a pressure plate and a release bearing. When the clutch pedal is pressed, the clutch disc disengages from the pressure plate, interrupting the transfer of energy from the engine to the transmission.

Transmission

The transmission is the next part of the drivetrain. She is responsible for changing the gear ratio between the engine and the wheels. The transmission does this through a set of gears that can be changed to increase or decrease the speed of the vehicle. There are two main types of transmissions: manual and automatic. Manual transmission requires the driver to shift gears manually, while automatic transmission does it automatically.

Transmission Shaft

The driveshaft, also known as the cardan shaft, is the part of the drivetrain that transfers power from the transmission to the differential. It is made up of a long tube with universal joints at each end that allow it to rotate at different angles.

Differential

The differential is the part of the drive system that divides power between the two drive wheels. It allows the wheels to spin at different speeds, which is crucial when cornering. The differential is made up of a set of gears that allow power to be unevenly distributed between the wheels.

Driving Wheels

The drive wheels are the last part of the drive system. They receive energy from the differential and use it to move the vehicle. The drive wheels can be located at the front or at the rear of the vehicle, depending on the type of vehicle drive (front, rear or four-wheel drive).

Conclusion

Knowing the parts of the drivetrain and understanding how they work together to move the vehicle is critical to proper vehicle maintenance. With this knowledge, you will be able to identify potential problems and make necessary repairs to ensure your vehicle continues to run efficiently and safely.