You should not drive with a broken driveshaft. This is the part of the drivetrain that transfers engine power into torque and causes your wheels to turn. You'll lose virtually all ability to control the vehicle without it.

Technically your car’s wheels can still turn with a broken driveshaft, but it is dangerous to attempt any actual driving. If you experience what you think is a broken driveshaft while driving, pull over immediately or whenever it is safe to do so and call for help. Considering you’ll lose all control over a vehicle with a broken driveshaft, you should never attempt to drive a car in this condition.

In this article, our

car repair

experts will take a closer look at what a drive shaft is, what happens when it breaks, and how much it will cost to fix it.

Is it safe to drive with a broken driveshaft?

Even if you’re a thrill-seeker with a death wish, the answer is no—it is not safe to drive with a broken driveshaft.

Why, you ask? Well, let us explain. In case you hadn’t yet noticed, the driveshaft is kind of a big deal in the world of your car. As mentioned above, your car’s drive shaft is responsible for transferring engine power into torque, which turns your wheels and gives you the ability to control your car.

With a broken driveshaft, this is what driving will be like:

Your vehicle will lose all control over steering.

Your vehicle will lose the ability to go either frontwards or backward.

Your vehicle will lose the ability to accelerate.

Those are a lot of abilities to lose. Parts of the driveshaft could also hit the pavement if you continue trying to drive, causing sparks or damaging other parts of your car.

If you suspect your car’s drive shaft is broken, stop driving immediately and pull over when safe to do so, and call for help. If you haven’t started driving but suspect the driveshaft is broken, get the car towed and repaired first.

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How far can you drive with a broken driveshaft?

On a flat road, you won’t go anywhere—you won’t be able to accelerate, go in reverse, or turn. That said, if you find yourself on a hill (and we hope this is not the case), you’ll go until you stop—or, until you are stopped by an object, another vehicle, or by skidding off the road.

The lesson here is this: if you have, or suspect you have, a broken driveshaft, do not drive the vehicle.

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Can a broken driveshaft cause damage to your car?

Yes, a broken driveshaft can further damage your transmission, as it is connected to the driveshaft. A broken driveshaft will likely cause transmission fluid to leak out of your vehicle.

In a worst-case scenario, a broken driveshaft experienced while driving can cause a catastrophic accident. A car can flip if the driveshaft snaps and sticks into the road, seriously damaging the vehicle and endangering the lives of anyone inside the car.

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How to tell if your driveshaft is broken

While losing all control of your car is the most obvious tell, here are all the signs that can indicate a broken or seriously worn driveshaft:

Difficulty turning the car

Car shudders as it accelerates

Excessive vibration when driving

You hear knocking or clicking sounds as you drive

How much does a replacement driveshaft cost?

Ultimately, it will depend upon the type of vehicle you drive, but the cost to replace a broken driveshaft can range from $400 to $2,000.

You might balk at the potentially high cost of replacing a broken driveshaft, but the only reasonable alternative is not driving until the repair has been made.