
15/08/2025
🚗 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Explained 🔧⚙️
Rear drive wheels, also called rear-wheel drive (RWD), are part of a drivetrain system where the engine’s power is sent mainly to the rear wheels to move the vehicle forward or backward.
🔍 How RWD Works
1️⃣ Engine Power Generation
The engine (usually at the front) produces power via internal combustion (gasoline/diesel) or electric motors in EVs.
2️⃣ Power Transmission
In a manual, power passes through a clutch.
In an automatic, it passes through a torque converter.
3️⃣ Main Drivetrain Parts
Transmission – Adjusts torque & speed.
Drive Shaft – Long rotating shaft that sends power from the front transmission to the rear differential.
Differential – Splits power between the two rear wheels, allowing different rotation speeds in turns.
Axles – Connect the differential to each rear wheel.
4️⃣ Wheel Propulsion
Pressing the accelerator sends torque through the drivetrain to the rear wheels, making them rotate and push the car.
✅ Advantages
Better weight distribution → smoother handling.
Sportier feel and improved steering feedback.
Stronger acceleration in many cases.
⚠️ Disadvantages
Less grip on slippery roads (snow, ice, rain).
Heavier & more complex drivetrain than FWD.
💡 In Short:
In RWD cars, power flows engine → transmission → drive shaft → rear differential → rear wheels. This setup is loved in sports cars, muscle cars, and luxury sedans for its balanced handling and driving excitement.
If you want, I can also make you an easy-to-read diagram showing the RWD layout with arrows and labels so it’s visually clear. That would make it even easier to understand.