Per a recent survey, research has determined that 77% of vehicles need repairs or maintenance. What does this mean for you? It means your vehicle could be part of that 77%. Maintenance and repairs can include many different parts of a car including the tires, engine, batteries, brakes, belts and hoses, transmission, heating and air conditioning, and drivelines. Wait, what’s a driveline? Most drivers don’t know what a driveline is, so it does not get the attention it deserves.
What Is the Driveline?
The driveline for a vehicle ensures that power is transferred from the transmission and engine to the wheels. It consists of the driveshaft, axles, joints, wheels, and differentials. All of those components take care of handling the full force of a vehicle. If a car didn’t have a driveline, it would not be going anywhere. Drivelines require care, even if it’s not obvious, and especially if it does become obvious.
Services for Drivelines Will Vary
It is important to understand that services for drivelines will vary. This is due to the fact that not every car has the same type of drive aspects. Front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel-drive vehicles will need varying repair and maintenance services depending on which drive they have. Fluid runs through the components of a driveline and a main driveline flush is recommended to keep all parts running smoothly.
Old lubricants need to be removed and replaced too. New differential fluid should be added so your vehicle gets the care it necessitates. Fluids should be replaced every 60,000 miles per manufacturer. An auto repair shop has experienced techs available that know when and how to perform flushes and located any other types of driveline problems. You can always ask them to check your driveline when you take your car in for an oil change if you think you have been experiencing problems. It is better to have small issues checked before they can become a huge problem later.
Drivelines Are Often Overlooked in Maintenance Programs
Something as important as drivelines are often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Driveline equipment and products meaningfully contribute to the performance, efficiency, and the overall economy of a car’s operation, so it is actually an essential part of a vehicle. The next time you are discussing care for your car, ask your mechanic about driveline services and how they can benefit the overall performance of your vehicle.
Important Facts to Understand About Drivelines
Many driveline components include gears required to mesh together with fluids meant to cool and lubricate them when they start to heat up from engagement and contact. The generated heat from the gears is then transferred to the fluids. The fluid in a driveline functions properly for thousands of miles of driving. But it stands to reason, that the repeated cooling and heating of the fluid will start an oxidation and degradation process that breaks down eventually so it won’t always provide the protection needed for the metal components. The result of this breakdown is excess heat, smells, and noises that are more noticeable, and may cause a driver to seek service. It is vital that you do not wait when you notice any signs of a breakdown in the driveline, have your vehicle serviced immediately. You could also go one step further and just make sure driveline service is part of your own maintenance plan for your car before problems arise.
What Happens If You Don’t Get Driveline Repairs or Maintenance?
Many times, if a driveline doesn’t get necessary maintenance or repairs there is metal to metal fatigue and damage. Expensive components are worn down beyond what they should be and will need attention. Once a vehicle has reached this point, a fluid exchange cannot fix the problem and new parts are needed for installation. Fluids changed in accordance with recommended change intervals per the manufacturer, can help ensure costly replacements are avoided altogether. Find out the condition of your vehicle’s driveline components by scheduling a driveline check and fluid inspection with your local auto shop.
