1. Engine Power Generation: The process begins with the engine of the car. The engine generates power through the combustion of fuel and converts it into rotational motion.
2. Transmission: The rotational motion from the engine is transferred to the transmission. The transmission has multiple gears with different gear ratios, which allow for variations in speed and torque at the wheels.
3. Driveline Connection: The transmission is connected to the wheels through a driveline. The driveline typically consists of a propeller shaft or drive shaft, universal joints, and differential.
4. Differential: The differential is a critical component that allows the wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds. This is necessary when the car is turning or navigating uneven terrain.
5. Axle and Wheel Hub: The differential is connected to the axle. Each axle has a wheel hub attached to it, and the wheels are mounted onto the wheel hubs.
6. CV Joints or U-Joints: To allow for the suspension's movement and steering changes, cars may use either CV (constant velocity) joints or U-joints (universal joints) between the driveline and the wheels. These joints provide flexibility while maintaining rotational motion.
7. Wheel Rotation: When the driver selects a gear and presses the accelerator pedal, the engine provides power to the transmission. The transmission then transfers this power to the wheels through the driveline. This rotational motion causes the wheels to turn.
It's worth noting that the exact mechanism of wheel rotation can vary depending on the type of vehicle, particularly between front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive systems.