Your car has several components, all of which together work to ensure the smooth running of the vehicle. One such component is the vehicle’s drivetrain which performs the key function of distributing power from the engine to the wheels, creating torque for your vehicle to move forward or backward. The drivetrain is more than just one component of your car. It is essentially a collection of numerous components that work together to propel your car. The main parts of the drivetrain include the driveshaft, axles, transfer case, and transmission. If there’s an issue in any of these parts, your car’s drivetrain may fail to function properly.
A vehicle’s drivetrain may malfunction due to many reasons. So, what are the major causes of a drivetrain failure? How do you know the drivetrain is malfunctioning? And what are you going to do about it?
Causes of Drivetrain Malfunction
A drivetrain consists of several different parts. It includes everything between the engine and the wheels. The engine provides power, which is transferred to the wheels and allows the car to move. The drivetrain, most critically, includes your vehicle’s transmission. Axle shafts, differentials, U-joints, CV joints, driveshafts, torque converters, and propeller shafts are all components of a powertrain. All these components of your drivetrain might deteriorate over time and with mileage.
A damaged drivetrain can be frustrating because you may find it hard to figure out what went wrong. An experienced car mechanic can figure out what’s the problem and how to fix it. However, there are some common causes of drivetrain failure that you should know to avoid them.
- Worn-Out Ignition Coils
Coils can deteriorate over time, resulting in misfires. If you feel this is the issue, get your car inspected by a trained mechanic. The ignition coils, which are placed on the cylinder head, perform the task of providing a high voltage to each spark plug, resulting in igniting the air-fuel mixture inside it. When the engine coil gets too old, it will not supply enough power to the spark plugs. This causes bad sparks and symptoms such as power loss. The engine coil may also fail if subjected to excessive heat or vibration. It is recommended that ignition coils be replaced every 20,000 to 25,000 miles for optimal performance.
- Spark Plugs
The role of spark plugs is to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber. Similar to other vehicle parts, spark plugs should also be replaced when they get worn out. Ideally, it needs to be replaced every 30,000 miles or so. Failure to replace faulty spark plugs could make your engine misfire. Overuse of spark plugs is one of the major reasons for drivetrain failure. Old spark plugs are also responsible for reducing the engine’s performance. When there’s any issue with the spark plug, there could be a warning sign displayed on your dashboard. To ensure that your automobile runs correctly, you should arrange an appointment to replace the spark plugs.
- Faulty Fuel Pump
Your car’s problems could be the result of a broken fuel pump. Any problem with the fuel pump results in an inconsistent fuel supply. This can result in a loss of power and a drivetrain problem. Low fuel or gasoline impurities might cause a fuel pump problem. Car repair service may resolve this issue. Make sure to get the car checked to detect such problems and resolve the issue.