A Guide to Buick Parts: The Difference Between Your Powertrain and Drivetrain

There are many complex Buick parts at work in your car, and some of the most common questions we receive pertain to the difference between a vehicle’s powertrain and its drivetrain. As a leading Lincolnwood, IL car dealer, we decided to address this issue by putting together this brief guide to understanding the key functions and differences between these two systems.

Powertrain

Your car’s powertrain consists of all the internal parts responsible for physically moving your vehicle. This process begins with your engine, where gasoline or diesel is converted into energy that is used to rotate your wheels. In electric vehicles like the GMC HUMMER EV, the battery-powered motor counts as part of the powertrain.

This power is then passed to your drivetrain, where it is optimized to move your vehicle. Adding to some of the confusion surrounding these systems, the drivetrain is considered a part of the powertrain, even though the main component of the powertrain – the engine – is not considered part of the drivetrain.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain refers to the parts of your powertrain that transmit energy from your engine to your wheels, causing your car to move. First, your transmission helps to optimize the input it receives from your engine by selecting an appropriate gear ratio for a given speed.

This tempered force is then passed through the drivetrain and to one or both of your axles. Here, a final round of optimization occurs within the transaxle, final drive, and differential – additional arrays of gears that can further adjust the force received as needed, such as during cornering or when ascending inclines.

The drivetrain is also where vehicles like the GMC Sierra 1500 with available all-wheel drive shine, with the ability to evenly distribute power between both axles instead of one for exceptional performance in inclement driving conditions.

Schedule Your Powertrain Service at Zeigler Buick GMC Today

Can you remember the last time you had your powertrain or drivetrain serviced? If you can’t recall, it’s likely time for a quick inspection at our Buick service center. Call or visit us online at Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood to speak with our knowledgeable staff today.