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We’ve explored how combustion engines work in another post here: the engine cylinders combust a fuel-air mixture to push pistons up and down in order to provide a rotational force. This rotational force is then connected to a flywheel to maintain momentum, then a clutch to be able to control the changing of gears.
All of this goes towards making a car not only driveable but comfortable.
The drive shaft comes after the gearbox. It exists to transmit the torque (rotational force) provided by the engine to the wheels themselves in order to actually get the car moving. But why is it necessary to have one, and do all cars have drive shafts? Let’s find out!
Drive shafts need to transmit engine power
Almost all vehicles on the road have the engine at the front and are front-wheel drive. This helps to make them more stable as the front wheels essentially pull the car forwards, but this stability can come at the cost of performance. The extra weight at the front usually means that the steering can be more sluggish.
With the engine in front and the vehicle being a front-wheel drive, the power from the engine doesn’t need to be transmitted very far – but it still needs to be transmitted. This is where drive shafts come in.
Originally, the engine power would be transmitted through a belt or chain mechanism directly to the wheels, much like modern bicycles or motorbikes still use. But with the complexity of having to transmit this power while steering, the development of drive shafts became necessary.
And it’s not just a case of steering – the components that make cars move also need to withstand the pressures and forces of being in motion. That is, roads aren’t perfect, and if you had to re-attach a drive belt each time you hit a particularly bad pothole, you’d likely consider alternative transport quite quickly!
How do drive shafts work?
The main challenge that drive shafts need to overcome is the independent movement of the car’s axles in a variety of directions. A worm-drive screw (or any screw, for that matter) can be used to transmit power at a 90° angle, but relying on a single screw-drive would result in it breaking as soon as you wanted to steer or as soon as you need one wheel to adapt independently to a surface – in short, you need to account for relative movement of different elements in the drivetrain.
Essentially, for suspension on each wheel to work and create a safer, more comfortable drive, you need to have a drive shaft that can move within an expected field of movement.
This is achieved through using a component called a universal joint.
It uses two components that are joined using (usually) a cross-shaped mechanism – and this connection lets each component rotate at the same rate but at different angles relative to each other!
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If your car’s steering has started to behave strangely, or there seems to be different power applied in different situations, you may have a problem with your drive shaft!
Driving in heavy rain can be tricky and bring extra risks. Check out our guide for top tips to stay safe and avoid breakdowns if travelling in wet conditions.
Is the UK on the verge of ‘the coldest winter for 50 years?’ Even if El Niño doesn't hit the UK this winter, reduce the risk of a winter breakdown by making sure your car battery is winter-ready.
Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
0800 75 76 77 You can reach our customer care team 6 days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Monday and Thursday, 8:30am to 6:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday, and 10:00am to 4:00pm on Bank Holidays.
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Select Tyre Size
Front Tyre Size
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We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
Please select your front and rear tyre size before clicking 'Continue'.
We have identified the tyre size(s) that may fit your {VEHICLE}. Please select your front tyre size and rear tyre size below before clicking 'Continue'.
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Please note: There is a slope that the vehicle must be driven up to reach the vehicle ramp at this centre. This may prevent us from being able to work on some high-performance vehicles, Tesla vehicles or vehicles that have been lowered. If your vehicle has low ground clearance, please contact the centre team on 01342 314 111 before booking.
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Centres do not open until 10:00 on bank holidays. If choosing an earlier appointment time on a bank holiday, please bring your vehicle to centre at 10:00 rather than the time shown.
