How To Protect Your Drivetrain In 2023
Drivetrain is one of those words that seems to confuse customers at times, and it’s understandable. The term “drivetrain” encapsulates so many other things, so hearing it from our side of the customer service desk can be a bit overwhelming sometimes. Today, I want to set the record straight!
Your drivetrain is one of the most important components of your vehicle. It helps to power your car and allows it to turn and maneuver. However, it is also susceptible to wear and tear and can be damaged by improper care or harsh driving conditions. In this article, I’ll discuss what your drivetrain is and what it does, how often it should be serviced and signs that it needs repair, as well as tips for taking care of your drivetrain.
What Is Your Drivetrain, And What Does It Do?
Your drivetrain is an assembly of components that transfer power from the engine to the wheels. It includes the transmission , driveshaft, axles, and differential and the associated parts that connect them. It sends power to the wheels, pushing the car forward.
This makes the drivetrain an essential part of the vehicle, and it is vital to take good care of it. The drivetrain is also responsible for providing traction and allowing the vehicle to turn. Without a properly functioning drivetrain, the car would be unable to move.
How Often To Get Your Drivetrain Serviced
There are many working components to your drivetrain, which makes giving an exact number of miles or days between a tune-up hard to describe. At the very least, expect to have a mechanic take a look at it every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. This, of course, will be sooner if you notice something is off with any of these components!
Signs of Drivetrain Issues
Some signs that a drivetrain component needs repair include strange noises from the engine or transmission, vibrations or shaking while driving, difficulty shifting gears, leaking fluids, or reduced fuel efficiency. If you notice any of these signs, getting them checked out as soon as possible is important to avoid more costly repairs.
How Long To Components Of Your Drivetrain Meant To Last
Like all things, taking care of your drivetrains components will help them last longer. However, they typically have “expiration dates,” if you will.
Think of it this way: if you buy a couple of cucumbers from the grocery store and leave them sitting on your counter, they will eventually rot. This isn’t to say they won’t eventually rot if you put them in the fridge. Their life cycle is going to eventually come to an end, sure. But when you take care of things and treat them well, they last longer.
When it comes to your drivetrain, on average, the parts last about:
- Transmission: 10,000-200,000 miles
- Driveshaft: 50,000-70,000 miles
- Axles: 70,000-130,000 miles
- Differential: 30,000-50,000 miles
A lot of these numbers have quite the range. This is because it depends on quite a few things! The longevity of any part in your vehicle will depend greatly on the condition of the part, how often you drive it, how you exert the vehicle, where the vehicle came from, the manufacturer, and more.
Tips For Taking Care Of Your Drivetrain
Just because vehicle parts are only meant to last a certain amount of time doesn’t mean we can’t do everything in our power to help them reach their expiration date more accurately. While you should expect your transmission, axles, driveshaft, and the like to get repaired eventually, you can improve the longevity of these parts with some simple habits.
Some simple tips for taking care of your drivetrain are:
- Check your transmission and differential fluids regularly and ensure they are topped up as needed.
- Be mindful of your driving habits, as heavy acceleration and braking can cause added strain on the drivetrain.
- Avoid driving on rough terrain, as this can cause damage to the components of the drivetrain.
- Have your drivetrain inspected at least once every two years or 24,000 miles (if you come to KC Auto Solutions, we run Digital Vehicle Inspections with each service so that your parts are inspected more often!).
- If you notice any strange noises or vibrations coming from the transmission or axles, have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible.
With these simple habits, you can help to extend the life of your drivetrain, and its components.
Let Us Be A Part Of Your Maintenance Routine At KC Auto Solutions!
If you need service, we’ve got you covered. Schedule your appointment today . We are located at 1223 West Truman Road, Independence, MO, 64050, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. There is really nothing in a car that we aren’t comfortable working on!
