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
Julie is the best service...
Ali Abdullah
Julie is the best service lady ive dealt with. Customer service and their techs are top notch! Diagnosed my transmission free of charge
Date: September 15, 2026
Website: Google
Multiple vehicles, multiple visits -...
Chad Heron
Multiple vehicles, multiple visits - the team have proven their weight in gold. Highly recommend this establishment.
Date: September 15, 2026
Website: Google
To fix the tranny of...
Victor S
To fix the tranny of my old car was expected of him because he is running the same Mister Transmission place for decades. But what wasn’t expected of him to tune my 40 yr old car to perfection, and fix my leaky carburetor. Changing the upper arms and wheel bearings were also extra. So if you look for something more than just your transmission, I doubt you can find a better mechanic than Kenny at Mister Transmission on Woodbine at Dennison. You’ll be seriously satisfied, and more than pleasantly impressed!
Date: September 15, 2026
Website: Google
I had an issue with...
Drew Smith
I had an issue with my subaru, and was given limited options in stratford to fix it. I took it to Gary and his team, and not only did he give me options for repair, he was very straightforward and thorough with his explanation on the problem and the best way to solve it. I would highly recommend anyone with transmission issues to take it here, even if only for a second opinion
Date: September 14, 2026
Website: Google
Professional and thorough service. Provided...
Kael MacNeil
Professional and thorough service. Provided me with a full transmission rebuild after a critical failure with any and all issues covered under a 20,000km warranty. Gave me an excellent deal on cost and went the extra mile finishing up some small projects I was working on under the car at no added cost.
Date: September 14, 2026
Website: Google
I would recommend Mister Transmission...
Tyler Sheppard
I would recommend Mister Transmission amazing service
Date: September 14, 2026
Website: Google
Great customer service at fair...
EJG
Great customer service at fair cost. They finished the work quickly at the price I was quoted. 10/10
Date: September 13, 2026
Website: Google
Great customer service at fair...
EJG
Great customer service at fair cost. They finished the work quickly at the price I was quoted. 10/10
Date: September 13, 2026
Website: Google
Great customer service at fair...
EJG
Great customer service at fair cost. They finished the work quickly at the price I was quoted. 10/10
Date: September 13, 2026
Website: Google
My first mistake was to...
ED Glez
My first mistake was to bring my Truck to the dealer for a Transmission oil change, they really screwed up, should have taken to the Experts the first time , Mister Transmission listen to the issue and gave me my options, and lucky me they got it right away. Super professional, they won a new Customer and I will advise them to all my friends and family. Thanks to Ray and Gus.
Date: September 12, 2026
Website: Google
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