## How is a Car Engine Connected to the Transmission?
The engine and transmission are two of the most important components in a car. The engine provides the power to move the car, while the transmission transfers that power to the wheels. Without a transmission, the engine would not be able to turn the wheels, and the car would not be able to move.
There are two main types of transmissions: manual and automatic. Manual transmissions require the driver to shift gears manually, while automatic transmissions shift gears automatically. In both types of transmissions, the engine is connected to the transmission through a driveshaft.
**Driveshaft**
The driveshaft is a metal shaft that connects the engine to the transmission. The driveshaft rotates when the engine is running, and it transfers the power from the engine to the transmission. The driveshaft is usually made of steel, and it is connected to the engine and transmission by universal joints.
**Universal Joints**
Universal joints are flexible couplings that allow the driveshaft to rotate at different angles. This is necessary because the engine and transmission are not always in the same alignment. The universal joints allow the driveshaft to transfer power even when the engine and transmission are at different angles.
**Transmission**
The transmission is a gearbox that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. The transmission has several different gears, each of which provides a different amount of torque. The driver selects the gear that is appropriate for the driving conditions.
**Automatic Transmission**
Automatic transmissions shift gears automatically. The transmission uses a hydraulic system to shift gears, and it is controlled by a computer. The computer monitors the engine speed, the vehicle speed, and the throttle position to determine when to shift gears.
**Manual Transmission**
Manual transmissions require the driver to shift gears manually. The driver uses a gear lever to shift gears, and the transmission uses a mechanical linkage to transfer power from the engine to the wheels.
**Clutch**
In a manual transmission, the clutch is a pedal that the driver presses down to disengage the transmission from the engine. This allows the driver to shift gears without damaging the transmission.
**Flywheel**
The flywheel is a heavy metal disc that is attached to the crankshaft of the engine. The flywheel stores energy when the engine is running, and it releases that energy when the driver shifts gears. This helps to smooth out the transition between gears.
**Input Shaft**
The input shaft is the shaft that connects the engine to the transmission. The input shaft is driven by the flywheel, and it transfers power to the transmission gears.
**Output Shaft**
The output shaft is the shaft that connects the transmission to the wheels. The output shaft is driven by the transmission gears, and it transfers power to the wheels.
**Differential**
The differential is a mechanical device that allows the wheels to turn at different speeds. This is necessary when the car is turning, because the inside wheel needs to turn slower than the outside wheel.
**Axles**
The axles are the shafts that connect the differential to the wheels. The axles rotate, and they transfer power from the differential to the wheels.
**How the Engine and Transmission Work Together**
When the engine is running, it turns the flywheel. The flywheel stores energy, and it releases that energy when the driver shifts gears. This helps to smooth out the transition between gears.
The flywheel is connected to the input shaft of the transmission. The input shaft rotates, and it transfers power to the transmission gears. The transmission gears then transfer power to the output shaft.
The output shaft is connected to the differential. The differential allows the wheels to turn at different speeds. This is necessary when the car is turning, because the inside wheel needs to turn slower than the outside wheel.
The differential is connected to the axles. The axles rotate, and they transfer power from the differential to the wheels.
The wheels turn, and the car moves.
## Conclusion
The engine and transmission are two of the most important components in a car. The engine provides the power to move the car, while the transmission transfers that power to the wheels. Without a transmission, the engine would not be able to turn the wheels, and the car would not be able to move.
