The engine and drive train is the powerhouse of your Toyota. These parts generate power and deliver it to you on the road. There are numerous parts that make up the drivetrain of your car including the battery, the clutch, the drive belt, the muffler and spark plug.

Your car's battery is what supplies energy to the starter motor, ignition system and lights. The spark plug ignites the fuel and air mixture, which propels the engine's cylinders to drive the car. The engine stays turning with the assistance of a drive belt that carries all the other parts that are auxiliary to your engine's functioning. The role of the clutch is to effortlessly transfer the power from the engine to propel the vehicle. Finally the muffler is the component in your exhaust system that is responsible for correctly 'breathing out' emissions, so that your engine delivers maximum performance and efficiency.

Your car's battery is what supplies energy to the starter motor, electrical & ignition system. For hybrid/electric vehicles, the battery also supplies traction. Car batteries require regular inspection and maintenance, which involves checking the fluid level; checking that terminal clamps are attached properly; and checking that the battery clamps are holding the battery securely.

Toyota Genuine batteries new flat-top design includes an innovative flat-top lid. The lid provides a contemporary appearance, as well as having indicators for the state of charge and fluid level indicators for easy diagnosis. Toyota Genuine batteries are specifically suited to Toyota vehicles and Australian driving conditions. They are designed to:

• Fight Corrosion
  Toyota Genuine Batteries have a thick-cast positive grid, stronger alloy components and involve double dip production.
• Combat Fluid Loss
  Fluid loss due to the electrolysis that occurs during charging means that the battery may require fluid top ups. Toyota Genuine Batteries combat water loss with special alloy components and hybrid design plates. They also feature an inbuilt start of charge and fluid indicator.
• Combat Vibration
  Toyota Genuine batteries are built with stronger components and internal welds as well as a mud rack design that reduces plate movement.
• Enable Superior Cycling
  For optimal performance, batteries include a heavy duty component with increased paste coating and are designed to handle accessory loads when idling.

Toyota batteries are approved and recommended by Toyota engineers.

The clutch is the vital link delivering engine power to the transmission. The role of the clutch is to effortlessly transfer the power from the engine to propel the vehicle. It really is the vital link between the power source (engine) and the power distribution (transmission, differential, axles and wheels). The functions of the clutch include:

• The ability to cut engine power quickly for safe driving
• Smooth, quiet transfer of engine power to transmission
• Quick radiation of frictional heating
• Maintaining inertia after disengagement
• Making full use of the engine's power

In manual transmissions, the clutch engages and disengages the engine from the transmission as you change up and down gears or into reverse. This constant use when driving means clutches are prone to wear, and eventually need replacement.

Signs you might have a worn clutch are:

• Poor acceleration
• Increase in fuel consumption
• Speed doesn't pick up quickly compared to amount of acceleration
• Poor power when climbing hills

In order to operate, your Toyota's engine relies on many other 'helping hands' around it. These include the cooling fan, water pump, power steering pump, alternator, and air conditioning compressor. All must work in perfect harmony to provide electrical charge, cooling, and other energies for safe, comfortable driving. All of these components rely on one piece of equipment, the drive belt, to perform their many mechanical tasks. Drive belts quite literally keep the many wheels of the engine turning.

Drive Belts will last 60,000 to 100,000 kilometres with normal use, but this can vary greatly due to harsh operating conditions. Signs and effects of a worn out drive belt:

• A worn out belt may slip and become noisy
• Reduced cooling efficiency
• Improper battery charging
• Problems with the power steering or air conditioning
• Any visible damage to the belt

The role of a drive belt is to keep the many auxiliary components attached to your engine, turning. There are two major differences between Toyota Genuine Drive Belts and non-genuine belts.

• Individual Models
  Toyota Genuine Drive Belts are specifically designed for each individual Toyota model for perfect fit and tension between the various components they must drive. Many non-genuine drive belts are 'one size fits all' designs that can either be too loose, or too tight - either way, they can dramatically reduce the performance of relevant equipment.
• High Quality Materials
  With a rubber coated bottom layer to prevent cracking to heat-resistant tensioning members, Toyota Genuine Drive Belts are multi-layered for maximum longevity and performance.

The role of the muffler in your car's operation goes way beyond merely suppressing engine noise. In fact, as the final component in your exhaust system, it is responsible for correctly 'breathing out' emissions, so that your engine delivers maximum performance and efficiency.

In most instances, car mufflers will let you know when it's time for a replacement. Loud, abnormal noise indicates a hole in the muffler, although replacement should be carried out whenever there's any sort of damage or serious corrosion. Also, if your muffler becomes clogged, then you'll notice a loss of engine power. Replace your muffler immediately when:

• It makes a low booming noise, a rattling noise, or a hissing noise.
• The outside of the muffler is covered in soot.
• The internal separator rattles when tapped lightly.
• The muffler's exhaust noise becomes louder.

The spark plug is one of the smallest and most important components in a petrol engine; it is responsible for actually making the engine operate. Thousands of times every minute, the spark plug ignites the fuel and air mixture, which propels the engine's cylinders to drive the car.

Spark plugs must operate within a precise heat range. If they work outside that range, the plug will not operate at optimum efficiency, which can result in poor starting, reduced performance under load, and increased fuel consumption.

Equally important is the resistor located between the centre electrode and the centre axis, which prevents interference with onboard electronics such as your radio. So, if your radio is full of static, chances are you've got spark plugs that are impairing your engine's performance.

Common signs that your spark plugs need to be replaced include:

• Difficult starting
• Unstable running
• Engine misfires
• Increased fuel consumption