transmission

You may occasionally hear the term “transaxle” used in place of “transmission” for your car or SUV. Is there a difference, and if so, what is it? Westerville Automotive in Westerville is here to help.

In short, yes, they are two different things. Often, the word transaxle is replaced with transmission…it’s simply a word that’s been around longer, and since a transaxle does serve the purpose of a transmission, it’s an easy mistake to make. While using “transmission” as a blanket term isn’t particularly harmful, it is technically incorrect.

A transmission serves one purpose – transmitting engine power to the driveshaft, via an array of different gear ratios. Transmissions are also only found in rear-wheel-drive cars.

On front-wheel-drive cars, you find a transaxle. The transaxle serves the purpose of the transmission but also adopts the job of the differential, which is an entirely separate component on rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Since the axles that drive the wheels, or CV axles, are directly connected to the transaxle, a power-splitting differential system must be integrated to allow for power distribution to the wheels. Essentially, a transaxle is a transmission and a differential combined into one unit.

Whether your car, truck or SUV has a transaxle or a transmission, our technicians have you covered, for all your repair and maintenance needs. For the best transmission (and transaxle) service shop in Westerville, call or stop by Westerville Automotive today.



Westerville Automotive providing top automotive repairs and service in Westerville Ohio for 20+ years with top trained ASE technicians in 2 locations. From oil changes to transmission repairs, our team will get you on the road and keep you traveling safely. Our goal is your complete customer satisfaction. Westerville Automotive is a Preferred Jasper Engines & Transmissions Owner Installer with NAPA AutoCare Center backed by exceptional customer services. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY:Our Main Shop - Westerville South: 5591 Westerville Road | (614) 890-0707 | Email | Schedule OnlineOur Uptown Shop: 31 East Main Street | (614) 890-6700 | Email | Schedule Online
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5591 Westerville Rd
| Westerville, OH

(614) 890-0707
EMAIL THE SHOP
MON-FRI | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Weekends | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

31 E Main St
| Westerville, OH

(614) 890-6700
EMAIL THE SHOP
MON-FRI | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Weekends | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM