People travelling from one place to another and by means of road , on rough ways, high terrains often prefer 4x4 cars for the best performance. These vehicles have the potential to cross the hurdles and also can travel for long distances without stopping or without any interruptions. It's hard to travel across the deep inclines, muddy roads , rocky tracks and other conquering things related to off-roading. So, ORV's (Off Roading vehicles) may be very essential.

# What are 4x4 vehicles?

4X4 or 4WD vehicles also known on Off-road vehicles, are specially designed to provide force in the both 4 wheels of the vehicle. That empowers the vehicle to travel through unpaved and rocky tracks without facing any difficulties. The traditional 2-wheel vehicles are not very powerful to cross these types of tracks and these vehicles will definitely get stuck on these roads. These unpaved roads are sometimes covered with sand, mud, ice and sometimes the travelers have to cross the small rivers or ponds.

The main concept of 4x4 cars is to enhance the power of the vehicle. The engine distributes the power produced by the engine to all the 4 wheels. These wheels exert the equal force on all the 4 wheels . These wheels exert equal force and move the vehicle. The traditional 2 power wheel vehicles are not able to free themselves once it's stuck because if power wheels are stuck it needs help to cross hurdles. But if the 2 tires of the 4X4 vehicle are stuck it still has 2 power wheels that can make it free. These vehicles have more powerful tires that can help it to cross big hurdles. These 4X4 cars are more powerful than any other ordinary vehicles. Engine, Transmission system , Drive shaft, Differential device , Suspension system, Steering system , Braking system , Electrical system, Fuel System and Exhaust system are the main components that help the cars move. Now, let's look at the drive shaft, also known as the propeller shaft, which plays a crucial role in the functioning of a car's powertrain.

# What is Drive Shaft?
A propeller shaft or prop shaft are the other names for the [Drive shaft](https://profender4x4.com/%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3-%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%A1/). There is a rod type part at the bottom of the car that makes a connection between engine and wheels. It transmits torque from the car's engine to its wheels.

# How does the drive shaft of a car work?
The engine of a car works with fuel such as Petrol , Diesel, Gas etc. The Piston is the Powerhouse of the engine. When the piston travels to the end of its range, whether up or down, that's a stroke. Car engines use a four Stroke cycle. Air intake ;Compressing the intake air for combustion; then the Power stroke cycle,an electrical spark ignites the compressed fuel and air mixture, and the combustion forces the piston to the down part. This power is transmitted to the transmission system, which then sends rotational force through the drive shaft. The drive shaft, transfers the torque generated and is distributed to the wheels. By all the components the drive shaft provides smooth power transmission and smooth drive. It also provides enough acceleration and movement to the car.

# Types of Drive Shafts-
We can classify the drive shafts as 2 types -
One-piece drive shaft and
Two-piece drive shaft.
One-piece drive shaft is the traditional and old component of a car that has been used since the cars were made. Two-piece drive shaft is a modern drive shaft that is used in advanced 4WD cars. These Two-piece drive shafts supply torque to all the four wheels simultaneously.

# Symptoms of Faulty Drive shafts-
Failing driveshaft components cause difficult turning vibrations, unusual noises, it will turn on the check engine light on your dashboard, short distance driving is permitted if you find these symptoms in your car but your vehicle should be repaired as soon as possible.

# Maintenance and Care-
To ensure the best performance, the best results and care of the drive shafts should be taken-
Frequently once in 2-3 days, check the drive shafts if they have any cracks or excessive wear.
The drive shaft should contain lubrication around it, which decreases the friction and prevents permanent breaks.
If there are any signs of looseness in the U-tube ( Universal joints) replace them if necessary.
If any loud or unusual noises are heard while driving then a check to the mechanic is compulsory.

# Conclusion-
4WD vehicles have many capabilities that they can carry out. They provide power to all four wheels, which make the car a more powerful beast . Drive shaft is the main component of the car's transmitting torque to the wheels. Combining the powers of 4x4 vehicles with a suitable drive shaft, drivers can achieve challenging roads. Such as 4x4 vehicles having robust drive shafts achieve the best drive. So, for these adventures in long journeys, the dynamic 4x4 vehicles and the suitable drive shafts opens a world of possibilities for [exploration](https://hackmd.io/) and discovery.