You know to change your motor oil every few thousand miles. You know to keep your tires pressurized to ensure they connect with the road. 

But a drivetrain inspection? That might be a bit more fuzzy. What is it, and how does it all work?

What Is a Drivetrain?

Drivetrain is one of those terms that may be referred to in many ways. Driveline is used synonymously, referring to the components that transfer power from the transmission to the wheels. 

Why not call it the transmission system? Some do. In a broad sense, the drivetrain and the transmission system are the same. 

Power train, geartrain, drive system – there are many ways to emphasize different aspects of the drivetrain system. What’s important to note is that it’s what makes your car function. It’s what makes your car go. 

What Makes Up a Drivetrain?

Don’t let the word confuse you. The drivetrain in today’s cars refers to the group of components that work together to deliver power from the engine to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to move. The drivetrain is made up of several components you probably already know. 

Transmission. The transmission is responsible for adjusting the power and torque from the engine, converting it into the appropriate speed and power needed to turn the wheels. You probably have an automatic sitting in the driveway, but manual or continuously variable (CVT) are available too.

Driveshaft. The driveshaft is a rotating shaft that transmits torque from the transmission to the differential. In front-wheel-drive cars, this may be referred to as a half-shaft or axle shaft.

Differential. The differential is a gearbox that splits the engine torque into two outputs, allowing the wheels to rotate at different speeds, which is necessary when turning corners.

Axles. Axles connect the differential to the wheels, carrying the load of the vehicle and transmitting the torque from the differential to the wheels.

CV Joints (Constant Velocity Joints). These joints are located at the ends of the driveshafts in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles, allowing the driveshaft to flex while maintaining constant rotational speed.

Transfer Case (in AWD/4WD vehicles). The transfer case splits the power between the front and rear axles in all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles.

There are dozens of parts that make up each of these systems. They vary based on make and model, or what type of vehicle you drive. 

The drivetrain components are located at the front of the vehicle on front-wheel drive cars, with power being delivered to the front wheels. It’s the opposite with rear-wheel drive, where power is sent to the rear wheels with drivetrain components typically running from front to back. All-wheel and four-wheel drive distributes power to all four wheels, with a transfer case to manage power distribution between the front and rear axles. 

Drivetrain Inspections and Maintenance 

Just looking at the components makes you understand how important it is to care for every part. Without a drivetrain, your car won’t go. 

If you ignore it and hope for the best, you’ll wind up with an inefficient vehicle that faces costly repairs throughout the year. All of that can be avoided with regular maintenance. Here’s what we suggest. 

Quarterly

Or maybe we should say seasonally. As each season passes by on the calendar, it’s a good idea to give your car a visual inspection. 

Check for leaks around the transmission, differential, and transfer case (if applicable).

Inspect the driveshaft, axles, and CV joints for any signs of wear, cracks, or leaks in the rubber boots.

Because the transmission is so important, it’s a good idea to check the transmission fluid level (if your vehicle has a dipstick). Top up if necessary. If your vehicle has a sealed transmission, this step might be skipped or performed by a mechanic during scheduled service.

We also recommend paying attention to any unusual sounds, such as clunking, whining, or grinding noises when driving, especially when accelerating, decelerating, or turning. These noises can indicate issues with the drivetrain components.

Semi-Annual Maintenance 

We suggest taking it a step further every six months. (How about summer and winter?)

Start by checking the transmission fluid condition. Inspect the color and smell of the transmission fluid. It should be a clear red or amber color and not smell burnt. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, it might be time for a change.

Check the CV boots for any tears or leaks. Damaged CV boots can allow dirt and moisture to enter, leading to joint failure.

For rear-wheel, all-wheel, and four-wheel drives, check the fluid level in the differential. Top up if needed, or schedule a fluid change if it’s due.

For all-wheel and four-wheel drives, ensure the transfer case fluid is at the correct level and in good condition.

Annual Maintenance 

Are you on track with your drivetrain inspections and maintenance? Once a year, we also encourage drivers to schedule an annual inspection to go deeper with drivetrain maintenance. 

How many miles have you put on your vehicle? Your vehicle’s manufacturer may recommend a change for the transmission fluid and filter. This is typically required every 30,000 to 60,000 miles but can vary based on the vehicle and driving conditions.

For vehicles with a differential, change the fluid as per the manufacturer’s recommendations, usually every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Change the transfer case fluid according to the manufacturer’s schedule, generally every 30,000 miles, especially for vehicles used in off-road or heavy-duty conditions.

Lubricate the U-joints (if applicable) and inspect the driveshaft for any signs of wear or damage.

Inspect the axle seals and wheel bearings for any leaks or wear. Repack or replace as needed.

Sounds easy, yes? 

Just keep in mind that every vehicle and every drive experience is different. 

Colorado can have harsh winters; inspect the drivetrain components for any signs of wear or leaks before the cold weather sets in, as freezing temperatures can exacerbate existing issues.

If your vehicle is used off-road, drivetrain maintenance may need to be more frequent due to the increased stress on the components and exposure to dirt, water, and other elements.

When Was Your Last Drivetrain Inspection? 

We get, drivetrain inspections might not be at the top of your list. You might not spend much time thinking about your vehicle’s drivetrain at all. But drivetrain inspections will ensure your vehicle is in good working order throughout the year. 

We can help. Inspections are designed to ensure everything is in good working condition. It’s the easiest way to keep you out on the road, getting you where you need to go without worrying about maintenance problems. 

Schedule your inspection today.