What is a Drivetrain?

A drivetrain may be the least understood part of a vehicle. This is due to several factors, including the fact that the term “drivetrain” is often used interchangeably with powertrain and driveline.

The drivetrain includes the transmission, the driveshaft, the axles, and the wheels. Simply put, it works in conjunction with the engine to move the wheels. The drivetrain system is an essential component of a vehicle and the transmission is an integral part of the drivetrain.

The Drivetrain and the Transmission

The drivetrain and the transmission are actually two very different concepts. The main function of the transmission is similar to the chain on a bicycle: it keeps the engine turning in time with the wheels, regardless of what gear the vehicle is in. The drivetrain represents everything that is behind the transmission involved in propelling the vehicle. The main function of the drivetrain is basically to convey power from the vehicle’s engine, through the transmission to the drive wheels on the vehicle to control the amount of torque. “Torque” is turning or twisting force.

Parts of a Drivetrain

The drivetrain is comprised of a collection of components in a vehicle that transfer power from the transmission to the wheels/ drive it forward. These components include the driveshaft, CV joints, the differential, the axle shafts and the U-joints.

  • A driveshaft is a long tube of steel that is linked to a car’s transmission at one end and the wheels at the other. It transfers the mechanical power from the transmission to the other components of the vehicle.
  • A U-joint, or universal joint, is a flexible pivot point that transmits power allowing for varying angles of the driveshaft.
  • CV joints, or constant-velocity joints, are part of the driveshaft. These joints are designed to be able to bend in any direction while continuing to turn the drive wheels at a constant velocity.
  • The differential is where the power makes its last stop before spinning the wheels (see ‘How Differentials Work’).
  • Axle shafts are a single rotating shaft, on either side of the differential, which delivers power from the final drive assembly to the drive wheels.

Driveline, Drivetrain, Powertrain

Technicians sometimes refer to driveline, drivetrain and powertrain interchangeably when referring to the drivetrain system of an automobile. This can cause confusion, but in essence, all of these terms describe the same system within the vehicle.

The powertrain in a vehicle is composed of everything that makes the vehicle move. This includes everything from the engine to the transmission to all the parts that allow the power from the engine to get to the wheels. A vehicle’s driveline consists of all of the powertrain’s components except for the engine.

The drivetrain is the part of a motorized vehicle which connects the engine and transmission to the wheel axles.

The driveline includes everything in the chain from the engine to the drive wheels, but the drivetrain consists of everything after the transmission — all driveshafts, axles, joints, differentials and wheels.

Mister Transmission technicians are all certified drivetrain and transmission specialists who service drivetrain and transmission issues in all modern vehicles.

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Mister Transmission Team

The Mister Transmission team consists of certified transmission specialists with decades of combined experience in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining automatic and manual transmissions.

With over 60 years of service across Canada, our experts provide trusted, accurate, and up-to-date automotive advice to help drivers make informed decisions about their vehicles.

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Customer Reviews
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Great experience with Sanjay!
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R. S
Very pleased! Was quoted the exact amount paid. They took the time to explain the problem, show me the parts needed and did the repairs quickly. Happy with the work. The staff here are kind and respectful. Thank you gentlemen. Would trust them with my vehicle again!
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Mr Transmission was very understanding,...
Myia Durocher
Mr Transmission was very understanding, kind, and patient. I talked to Jennifer the most and she was always easy to talk to about my complicated and infuriating 3rd party warranty situation (nothing to do with Mr Transmission). I had absolutely no issues when doing business with them, in fact I wish I had gone to them first as I went somewhere else and unfortunately they were not able to help me as they did not have the capabilities that Mr Transmission has.
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Aki and his team give...
Nicole Cortese
Aki and his team give fantastic service from start to finish! The team quickly diagnosed my transmission problem and completed the repair professionally and efficiently. Great communication, fair pricing, and my vehicle drives perfectly now. Highly recommend!
Date: June 13, 2026
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I brought my Jeep Wrangler...
Joyce Corpuz
I brought my Jeep Wrangler to Mister Transmission when it started having transmission issues because I wanted a second opinion before spending an astronomical amount of money and time at the dealership. From the moment I walked in, the team took the time to explain the possible causes of the problem and the available solutions. What really stood out to me wasn’t just the service itself—it was the way they communicated. They were thorough, honest, and made sure I understood everything without feeling pressured. These guys went beyond standard customer service. They were professional, knowledgeable, and approachable, creating an atmosphere of trust and genuine care. It’s rare to find a shop that combines technical expertise with such a personal touch. I am incredibly grateful for their exceptional work and the confidence they gave me throughout the process. Hopefully, I won’t be seeing them again anytime soon—at least not for the same vehicle—but if I ever need transmission work in the future, I know exactly where I’ll be going. Thank you to the entire team at Mister Transmission.
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