Nissan Parts Explained: Drivetrain Vs. Powertrain
When doing research before purchasing a new car, one of the most common concepts that you’ll come across is the drivetrain and powertrain which house your engine and help power your vehicle.
On some websites, you’ll see that these terms are used interchangeably but in reality, these Nissan parts do have some aspects to help you differentiate between the two. To help you better understand these parts, our team at Bedford Nissan has prepared this guide.
What’s A Drivetrain?
Put simply, the drivetrain is the system that consists of your transmission and the components of your Nissan vehicle’s driveline. The goal of both the drivetrain and powertrain is to help your vehicle move and stay in motion, so you’ll find key components like the driveshaft, axle shafts, and CV joints here.
If you begin to notice that your car isn’t shifting as smoothly as it once did or your handling feels sloppy, it might be a good time to stop by our Nissan service center so we can inspect your drivetrain.
How Does the Powertrain Differ?
As mentioned previously, many people use the terms drivetrain and powertrain interchangeably, but the main difference between the two is that the powertrain includes the car’s engine while the drivetrain does not. The engine works with all of the parts mentioned above to take kinetic energy and convert it so your car can remain in motion and safely transport you without issue.
Powertrain Function
If you’re curious about how exactly the powertrain works, our experts have detailed the steps below for you:
- Fuel starts burning, causing your pistons to move and the crankshaft to rotate.
- Next, your transmission begins to convert this rotation into energy that you can use. This energy is then sent through a series of gears and other components.
- This power is sent either directly to your wheels or goes through the driveshaft which then transmits this energy to your wheels.
- Due to the rotation, your wheels begin to turn, and your car is in motion!
Visit Bedford Nissan to Learn More
If you’re still confused about the differences between the drivetrain and powertrain, stop by our Nissan dealership serving Cleveland, OH, today. If you start having any issues with your vehicle’s performance, the experts at our service center can inspect your engine and inform you of potential problems. Come see us today or schedule an appointment online!