This article will inform you on how a broken drive shaft can affect your car, from understanding the early signs of damage to the importance of its function.

What Does a Drive Shaft Do?

The different drive shaft components transfer torque to your wheels, causing the vehicle to accelerate. A drive shaft is a long metal shaft that runs along the bottom of your car between the axel and engine, and it can last about 75,000 miles before being replaced. You might need to replace it sooner, though, if your car has seen substantial use and wear.

Can the Car Still Drive When It Breaks?

When a drive shaft starts to break, you still will be able to drive despite some apparent signs of distress. However, you should get it to the shop as soon as possible because if the drive shaft snaps completely, the car’s axel will immediately lose power. It can be even worse if the drive shaft gets wedged between the ground and the vehicle.

Can You Turn With a Broken Drive Shaft?

Only a wholly split drive shaft will stop you from turning completely, but damage can still make turning difficult. If you notice that the car’s turning sensitivity is abnormally low, that could be a sign that your drive shaft has broken.

What Are the Signs It Is Damaged?

There are a few clear signals that a drive shaft has sustained damage. The first sign that typically develops is that your car will shake or vibrate when accelerating; you also might hear a ticking noise. So, if you hear any unusual noises coming from your vehicle, you’ll want to bring it in.

Can It Damage Other Parts?

A minor break shouldn’t affect the other parts in your car. If the shaft snaps, it could be liable to cause extra damage from flying shrapnel. Like any other part of an automobile, the longer the problem festers, the worse it will become.

Now that you know how a broken drive shaft can affect your car, you can recognize the damage early and bring the vehicle in for help before the issue worsens.