The mechanism that transmits the power developed by the engine of automobile to the engine to the driving wheels is called the transmission systems.

A transmission is a machine in a power transmission system, which provides controlled application of the power. Often the term transmission refers simply to the gearbox that uses gears and gear trains to provide speed and torque conversions from a rotating power source to another device

The term transmission refers to the whole drivetrain, including clutch, gearbox, prop shaft, differential, and final drive shafts.

The most common use is in motor vehicles, where the transmission adapts the output of the internal combustion engine to the drive wheels. Such engines need to operate at a relatively high rotational speed, which is inappropriate for starting, stopping, and slower travel.

The transmission reduces the higher engine speed to the slower wheel speed, increasing torque in the process. Transmissions are also used on pedal bicycles, fixed machines, and where different rotational speeds and torques are adapted.

A transmission has multiple gear ratios with the ability to switch between them as speed varies. This switching may be done manually or automatically. Directional (forward and reverse) control may also be provided.

Single-Ratio transmissions also exist, which simply change the speed and torque of motor output.