Powertrain vs drivetrain: What you should know

When you’re talking about the mechanics of cars, you’ll often hear the terms “powertrain” and “drivetrain”. But what is the difference between the two, and why are they critical components of your Toyota? Toyota of Orlando is here with all the explanation you need when it comes to powertrains vs drivetrains and how they support your drive time.

What is a powertrain?

What is a powertrain when it comes to your Toyota? Basically, it’s the group of components that push your car forward. The powertrain creates power from the engine and pushes it to the wheels so your Orlando Toyota can accelerate forward (or backward). The powertrain is composed of five key parts:

• The engine
• The transmission
• The driveshaft
• The axles
• The differential

Let’s talk a little bit more about what each of them does in the grand scheme of things when it comes to your powertrain.

The five components of a powertrain + what they do

The engine is the power generator of your car – after all, it’s where the fuel ignites to get things going. The engine generates the power for your vehicle by using pistons (which move up and down inside cylinders) and a crankshaft (which translates that motion into a different rotating motion, resulting in power).

The transmission in your Orlando Toyota has the task of ensuring that the proper amount of power is sent from the engine to the wheels. It takes power from the engine and adjusts it according to the car’s performance needs and driving conditions.

The driveshaft transfers the torque (what makes the car move forward) from the transmission to the wheels. It changes its length according to the movement in the car’s suspension.

The axles lie between the wheels and perform two functions. First, they help hold up the weight of the vehicle (one axle is between the front wheels, and one axle is between the back wheels). Second, they rotate to transfer the engine’s powers to the wheels, which in turn makes the car move forward.

The differential is part of the rear axle. It allows each rear wheel to turn at a different speed. For example, if you’re turning a corner, the outside wheel needs to turn at a faster rate than the inside wheel. The differential allows for this.

Overall, these components work together to power your car forward and allow it to accelerate. It’s also important to ensure that you regularly maintain your car because if your powertrain is in good shape, you’ll have smooth acceleration and a better operating range, not to mention a higher top speed. Be sure to mention to our techs at Toyota of Orlando if you notice any issues with your car’s powertrain or any of the components individually. Also, regardless of whether you buy your car new or used, you should think about a powertrain warranty. This warranty will cover all of the components of the powertrain for a set period in case you encounter any problems. Toyota Certified Used Vehicles, for exanple, come with a 7 year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty for peace of mind.

What is a drivetrain?

People often use the terms “powertrain” and “drivetrain” interchangeably, but they’re not really the same thing. Toyota of Orlando’s experts are here to explain what a drivetrain is and why it’s important to your vehicle’s performance.

Here’s the basic breakdown: the drivetrain is PART of the powertrain.

• If you recall, the powertrain is composed of the engine, transmission, axles, driveshaft, and differential.
• The drivetrain is composed of all of the above elements plus the CV joints and EXCLUDING the engine. The engine is part of the overall powertrain, but not the drivetrain.
  • The CV joints, or constant velocity joints,
• We like to think of it as an umbrella. If the powertrain is an umbrella, the engine and the drivetrain are under the umbrella as two separate elements that together, make up the powertrain.

The four types of drivetrains

There are four types of drivetrains, which we’ll explain a bit so they’re easier to understand.

• Front-wheel drive: Front-wheel drive is when your car’s front wheels pull the car to move it forward – like in the Orlando Toyota Camry. In this type of drivetrain, the power is pushed to the front wheels of the car by the engine and drivetrain. This is the most popular and prevalent type of drivetrain and is found on most sedans, minivans, and SUVs.
• Rear-wheel drive: Rear-wheel drive cars are powered by the rear wheels, like the Orlando Toyota Supra. Power is pushed via the engine and drivetrain to the back wheels to move the car forward. Rear-wheel drive is found in vehicles that are performance-driven, like the Toyota Supra or the Toyota Tundra. It’s better for sudden speed and also, towing.
• All-wheel drive: All-wheel drive vehicles have the capability to send power, or torque to all four wheels of the vehicle. The engine and drivetrain distribute said power to all four wheels to offer better traction and handling, especially on slippery surfaces. All-wheel drive is becoming more common and can now be found on vehicles like the Orlando Toyota Prius and RAV4.
• Four-wheel drive: Four-wheel drive, on the other hand, is when the vehicle’s front and rear driveshafts lock together so the front and rear axles turn at the same speed. This means that torque or power is sent to at least one front wheel and at least one back wheel at the same time, and lessens your chances of spinning out (like in mud or snow). Four-wheel drive also offers better traction and handling for uneven terrain. This type of drivetrain is most commonly found on vehicles suited for off-roading, like the Orlando Toyota 4Runner and Tacoma.

All four drivetrains offer a different driving experience, so it’s important to know which one is going to be best for your needs before you buy. If you can’t decide, the experts on our sales team at Toyota of Orlando can walk you through the process and ask the right questions to ensure you find the right car.

The difference between powertrains and drivetrains

So, what’s the difference between the powertrain and drivetrain? As we discussed above, the drivetrain is basically PART of the powertrain. The drivetrain consists of the transmission, axles, driveshaft, and differential, as well as the CV joints. The powertrain is composed of all of that PLUS the engine.

Signs you need to schedule Orlando auto service for your powertrain or drivetrain

Now that you understand powertrain vs drivetrain, let’s talk about troubleshooting them. Here are some signs from our Orlando Toyota service experts that you might be having issues with them:

• Warning lights turn on in your dashboard: Seeing a warning light in your dashboard for any element of the powertrain or drivetrain – including the transmission or engine – can indicate an issue that needs professional attention.  Don’t ignore the lights; schedule an appointment at Toyota of Orlando so our techs can pinpoint and fix the issue.
• Your car is overheating: If you notice your car overheating, it can mean a number of problems, some of which can stem back to the powertrain. Have our auto service techs inspect your vehicle to find out what’s wrong.
• You smell burning odors: Burning odors are never a good sign, and can indicate issues with your car’s transmission. Schedule a diagnostic at Toyota of Orlando ASAP to avoid more serious and costly damage.
• Odd noises: Your engine, transmission, axles, and basically every other component of your powertrain can make strange noises when they need some attention. You know your car and you know both what’s normal and what’s not normal – if you hear anything out of the ordinary, don’t delay in getting it diagnosed.
• Problems accelerating or changing gears: Whether you drive a manual or an automatic, if you notice that your car is having issues accelerating or changing gears, you probably have a powertrain problem. Schedule maintenance for your vehicle.
• Stalling: If your vehicle is stalling out, it could indicate engine issues and isn’t a problem to ignore.

Some of the major causes of powertrain and drivetrain problems include not getting oil changes, not keeping up with car fluid maintenance (like transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, etc.) and damage from off-roading on tricky terrain. If you notice any of the above signs that you’re having an issue with this component of your car, bring it into Toyota of Orlando’s auto service center ASAP to have our techs check things out and save you money in the long run.

Get more info about powertrains and drivetrains at Toyota of Orlando

Have more questions about powertrains vs drivetrains, think you’re having issues with yours, or want help choosing between the main types of drivetrains? No matter the question, we’ve got answers at Toyota of Orlando. Contact our sales specialists today to learn more about the type of drivetrain that best suits your needs at (407) 298-4500. You can schedule auto service or repairs for your powertrain at (407) 298-0001. You can also stop by and see us in person! Our Orlando Toyota dealership and service center are located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, and we’re open until 10pm every single day of the week.