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.

Want to know more?
Visite one of our locations!

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.

image-reviews image-reviews
Customer Reviews
Great service, fair pricing.
Jim Stoner
Great service, fair pricing.
Date: September 5, 2026
Website: Google
Incredible history and customer service
Dave Strickland
Incredible history and customer service
Date: September 4, 2026
Website: Google
They Had my tcm diagnosed...
Jordan Fraese
They Had my tcm diagnosed and replaced with the truck running smoothly again in a day! i was in shock how fast it was and the work is always amazing, ive gone here for everything I’ve needed for years they take great care in their work as well
Date: September 4, 2026
Website: Google
The experience was great at...
Marco De
The experience was great at Mister Transmission. They were able to complete the job in the expected time, helping make my day go smoothly.
Date: September 4, 2026
Website: Google
They have the best service...
Roland Horsman
They have the best service and great honest people working there !
Date: September 4, 2026
Website: Google
Very detailed and patient customer...
Rakshit Maheshwari
Very detailed and patient customer service. Highly recommended the place.
Date: September 4, 2026
Website: Google
Highly recommend mister transmission in...
M Jeanes
Highly recommend mister transmission in Orillia friendly reasonable service.
Date: September 4, 2026
Website: Google
Exceptional service. Very kind. Would...
Shaun Woolcox
Exceptional service. Very kind. Would definitely recommend to a friend.
Date: September 3, 2026
Website: Google
Mohammed, Jon, and shri were...
Adam Griffin
Mohammed, Jon, and shri were transparent with me during the entire process while getting my vehicle serviced. Really appreciate the great customer service.
Date: September 3, 2026
Website: Google
I brought my Range Rover...
糖糖
I brought my Range Rover Evoque in with tricky “Gearbox Fault” and “Traction Reduced” warnings. Other shops could not pinpoint the root cause. Bobby at Mister Transmission was very knowledgeable and took time to run full proper diagnostics.It turned out the issue was caused by a faulty battery. Even though they do not perform battery replacement on‑site, Bobby immediately helped me connect with another suitable specialist shop. He carefully communicated all my vehicle symptoms and concerns to the other shop on my behalf.Bobby and his partner were gentlemanly, friendly and extremely patient throughout the whole process. He provided a transparent upfront estimate before starting any work, explained everything honestly and never pushed unnecessary expensive part replacements. Communication was smooth, and I am really grateful for their help. Fair‑priced and professional service. I would definitely recommend Bobby and this location.
Date: September 3, 2026
Website: Google
Featured Services
Transmission Repair

The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky.

Read More
Transmission Technology

At Mister Transmission we have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment, enabling us to offer you the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission.

Read More
Transmission Maintenance & Service

Just as you have other parts of your car serviced, your transmission needs maintenance to ensure a long life and avoid transmission problems.

Read More
Mister Transmission Blogs
Recent Blogs
Transmission Rebuild Vs Repair: Which Op...
A transmission repair fixes one specific failed part, while a rebuild takes the
Read More
August 21, 2026
Transmission Replacement Process: What H...
During a transmission replacement, the shop diagnoses the failure, removes your old
Read More
August 14, 2026
Common Transmission Repair Issues And Ho...
The most common transmission repair issues are slipping gears, faulty solenoids,
Read More
August 7, 2026
Transmission Service Vs Repair: Key Diff...
Transmission service is routine maintenance that keeps a healthy transmission running
Read More
July 31, 2026
Transmission Oil Change: How It Helps Im...
A transmission oil change, which is another name for a transmission fluid change,
Read More
July 23, 2026
Transmission Fluid Change: Signs Your Ve...
Your vehicle needs a transmission fluid change right away if the fluid is dark or
Read More
July 15, 2026
Transmission Rebuild Explained: When It ...
A transmission rebuild means taking your transmission apart, replacing the worn or
Read More
July 7, 2026
Transmission Service Guide: Why Regular ...
Regular transmission service, mainly fluid checks and changes plus periodic
Read More
June 29, 2026
Transmission Replacement: How To Know Wh...
You likely need a transmission replacement when the unit has failed internally and
Read More
June 22, 2026
How Transmission Repair Works And When Y...
Transmission repair fixes a specific failed part inside the transmission, like a
Read More
June 15, 2026