I believe differentials distribute power to the other wheel right? Where would the power go to if both wheels are braking?
In: Engineering
The engine outputs torque to the drive train. Brakes are stronger than the engine so they overcome its force and make it slow down.
In an automatic you have a torque converter. It’s a fluid coupling between the engine and the drive train. The engine spins a propeller, and the drive train is connected to an impeller. It allows the engine to transmit torque to the drive train, but still keep spinning even when the drive train comes to a complete stop. This is why autos creep forward when you get off the brakes.
In a manual you have the clutch. It’s a physical coupling but you can manually disconnect it with a pedal if you want to come to a stop.
Newer automatics often have a clutch or some kind of fancy system of clutches. They’re physical connections, but they’re controlled electronically instead of manually. (These also creep forward, but only because they’re programmed to do so since drivers prefer it)
In a manual if you come to a stop without disengaging the clutch the engine stalls. This will happen long before anything in the drivetrain breaks. It’s probably not great for the engine, but it won’t break it.
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