The reason anyone gets a car is to be able to get from point A to point B with as little hassle as possible. Sure, people could carpool or take the bus, but it’s so much more convenient to drive their own car. Well, it’s convenient when the car works, anyway. Cars have a way of breaking down at the most unexpected and inconvenient times. That’s why it’s important for drivers to recognize when there is something wrong with any part of their car. People need to realize when something is not right and take care of it right away. Read further to learn what the symptoms are when a drive shaft goes bad.

First, it’s important to know what a drive shaft is. It’s the rotating object or shaft that carries the power from the engine to the point of impact. Basically, it’s what helps your car to go from a stopped position to a go position. Without a proper functioning drive shaft, a car with its driver would not be able to go. Although, it usually doesn’t break all at once. Usually there are signs leading up to its complete and utter malfunction. These signs or symptoms, if caught early enough, can reduce the chances of a vehicle breaking down at the most inopportune time.

One of the first symptoms one might notice if their drive shaft is going bad might be the fact that there will be new vibrations when the car is in drive. These vibrations will be more noticeable than the regular hum of an engine. Every car vibrates, after all. It’s impossible not to with a running motor. The difference, though, is that it will feel significantly different than when it was working properly. These vibrations will be completely noticeable which means when anyone notices higher vibrations, they should check their universal joints and driveshafts to make certain they are in proper order.

The time when the symptoms will be the most noticeable is when one is accelerating in the first two gears. Typically, the vibrations will come from the rear end of the car as opposed to the front end. Many people reading this may be wondering how someone can possibly tell if the vibrations are coming from the front end or the back end. Basically, the vibrations will be so noticeable that it will not be hard to guess which direction they are coming from. Another symptom is often the passenger side especially will feel like it is continuously spinning out on gravel. Typically, these symptoms are most prevalent in the first and second gears. Be sure to get it checked out and taken care of as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.

Sometimes unfinished classic car projects can sit in a barn, garage or even worse – outside in the elements – for years and even decades. During this time seals, gaskets, steel parts and rubber all begins to break down and eventually can lead to the completely ruin of your once-complete antique automobile. Save your car by considering one of these five options – assuming of course that finishing the project yourself is no longer an option.

1.) Store Classic Car Restoration

For some car restoration projects, going professional is the only real option. This is especially true if there is significant work that needs to be done to the frame, body and drive-train components and parts are not readily available. In most cases a professional shop will be able to locate all required parts and assemble and restore the car the way it was meant to be.

One of the biggest obstacles preventing most classic car enthusiasts from going this route is the perceived cost. However, in most cases the more expensive option is to do nothing at all and simply let the car languish and rot. In fact, you may be surprised how affordable professional restoration really is.

2.) Sell Your Classic Car

Lots of individuals and even some shops will buy basketcase projects. This essentially refers to complete classic car projects that are in pieces. Depending on the amount of work involved and the condition of the car and parts, you may be able to get much more than you think for your antique car or truck. You can start by contacting restoration shops to see if they’re interested or know of anyone who is, and then proceed to traditional listings, Craigslist and even eBay if you’re feeling lucky.

3.) Trade it!

If you’ve got the right car you may be able to tempt a collector or enthusiast into a trade. Whether you’re looking for a completed project, a newer car or truck or something else entirely, chances are great that you can find the perfect trade situation by checking and interacting on classic and antique car forums and websites. Traditional newspaper ads often get fast, local results, and visiting a pro restoration shop might turn up some leads as well.

4.) Museums Might Love it

If you’ve got a great old car sleeping away in pieces somewhere on your property and you know you’re never really going to do anything with it, you may want to consider giving it to an auto museum. Often you’ll receive credit on the display and a generous tax break, and just the fact that the museum will restore and forever care for your old car is generally enough to consider this seriously as an option.

5.) Donate to Charity

Donating your basketcase classic car project to charity has a number of potential tax benefits as well as the fact that – depending on the situation – your old car may net a significant cash infusion for charities that often struggle to obtain funds to support their causes. If it’s just got to rot away anyway, you might as well help someone else out by checking around for some charities that may be interested in putting your old car or truck to good use.

If you’ve got a car in pieces somewhere and want to see it live on, call a professional classic car restorer now to find out exactly what can be done with it, and about how much time and money that will cost. However, caution should be used when finding a classic car restorations shop, as you’ll want to make sure they have the equipment and expertise to preserve your car, buy it from you or sell it for you.