Drivetrain Repair & Maintenance

Drivetrain Repair & Replacement

What is a drivetrain and why does it need service?

As the mediator between your car’s engine and its wheels, the drivetrain is one of the most essential systems in your vehicle. Using a complex combination of mechanisms working in tandem, the drivetrain is responsible for taking the power produced by the engine and transferring it to the wheel system.

In particular, the drivetrain consists of the following subsystems:

• Transmission
• U-Joints
• CV-Joints
• Driveshaft
• Differentials
• Axle shafts
• Wheels

Because of its close integration with every other part of your vehicle, the drivetrain can be affected by a variety of issues, from fluids, to tire condition, and more. Keeping your entire vehicle well-maintained, especially drivetrain subsystems can help your vehicle operate smoothly and prevent unnecessary repairs. 

Eventually, however, no matter how well you maintain your vehicle, your drivetrain systems will need to be replaced. The timeline for this depends on the make and model of your vehicle, how much you use it, and the environment the car is kept in—along with a few other factors.

GET YOUR VEHICLE READY TO GO

Whether you’re looking to fix a problem or prevent one, we make it easy for you to keep your vehicle in top shape with these additional services:

DOES YOUR DRIVETRAIN NEED SERVICE?

While proper maintenance can help prevent common drivetrain problems, issues can still occur. Here are some signs that your drivetrain might be in need of additional service:

• Delayed Engagement – If your car is slow to move (or won’t move at all), even when it’s in the proper gear, that could be a sign of problems with your transmission. 
• Slipping Gears – If your vehicle feels like it’s slipping and out of gear while it’s moving, that’s a sign that your transmission may be in need of repair.
• Warning Lights – Any kind of warning light on your dash could be related to your drivetrain. Be sure to seek out prompt service if you notice this. 
• Strange Noises – Clunking, humming, or whining sounds—especially while turning—could indicate issues with your CV joints, driveshaft, or transmission.
• Vibration – While this issue can be a sign of many other problems when paired with other drivetrain red flags, it’s a clear sign of damage to your differential, U-joints, or C/V axle.
• Leaks – While it’s common for a vehicle to drip a little condensation during the summer months (if you’re using your air conditioning), leaking of any other kind of fluid or leaking from any other area is a sign of a problem. It’s a good idea to check for signs of leakage every time you pull out of a parking space; it could be a sign of a transmission problem.
• Burning Smell – If you’re smelling something burning when you shift your manual transmission, or when you check your transmission fluid, that could be a sign of a serious problem. Be sure to schedule service immediately to prevent more issues.

WHY IS DRIVETRAIN REPAIR & REPLACEMENT IMPORTANT?

As you can see from the earlier sections, your drivetrain is connected to every other part of your vehicle. This means that a problem with any component could cause an issue with the related system—and vice versa. Many of these problems are preventable with regular maintenance and prompt repair.

The Benefits of DRIVETRAIN SERVICE

REDUCED OVERALL COST – When you keep your drivetrain well-maintained—and get any problems repaired right away—you prevent a whole host of related issues from occurring as a result. Preventing these issues means that you will likely spend less money on repairs since the vehicle will be kept in better condition.

IMPROVED SAFETY – A well-maintained vehicle prevents many of the more serious problems, including on-the-road breakdowns. Such breakdowns can pose a danger to you and your vehicle, depending on where and when they happen.

PREVENT DRIVETRAIN PROBLEMS

While the unexpected is expected, you can prevent more serious drivetrain issues by taking the proper precautions:

Schedule Maintenance

Use your owner’s manual to plan maintenance and replacement for the various components of your vehicle—and pre-schedule necessary services for prompt care.

Be Observant

Stay aware of how your vehicle looks, sounds, and acts whenever you drive it. This will help you notice subtle differences before they can become serious.

Find a Technician

It’s a good idea to have a pre-approved list of trusted technicians and auto service providers. That way, when things go wrong, you don’t have to spend extra time figuring out who to call

Time to give your vehicle some TLC

Is it time to replace a part of your drivetrain? Are you struggling with turning issues, strange noises, or leaking fluids? TLC Auto & Truck Repair Service Center is available to you! We are a family-owned shop that has been in operation since 1991—ready to provide excellent service, every time.

Stop in today at 230 NY-109 in Farmingdale, NY or call us at (631) 753-2211 to speak to a technician.