Buying a new vehicle? If yes, you have probably come across the term CVT transmission. You have probably wondered what that word meant and if it was something you should adhere to or avoid.
What Is CVT?
A CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission, which is very different from an automatic transmission. A standard automatic transmission has many gears that transfer power to the engine and ultimately to the car’s wheels. On the other hand, a CVT system does not have gears. Instead, it has a pulley system of variable width connected by belts.
One of the pulleys is attached to its engine and another to the vehicle’s wheels. Since the width is variable, it varies according to the vehicle’s amount of power, hence the term continuously variable transmission. The main difference is that the CVT does not come with sun and planet gear; its transmission ratios are obtained through a system of pulleys and belts.
Ideally, this would be a modified version of the standard automatic transmission, with the fuel economy’s main advantage. If anything, CVT is much better than manual transmission in fuel economy.
How Does A CVT Work?
For decades, three or four gears were considered sufficient for an automotive transmission system. The first automatic vehicles had a two-speed level. It is becoming common to have eight, nine, or even ten speeds. So what’s the point of moving to more gears?
Generally speaking, the higher the vehicle’s speed, the better it can adapt to engine speed in different driving conditions. This means that its lower gears can provide better acceleration, while its higher gears help fuel the fuel. It allows manufacturers to meet government efficiency standards, thereby improving vehicle owners’ economy.
CVTs are very different from standard automatics, and the main difference is that they do not have gears that provide stages between low and high-speed operations. Instead, most of them operate through a pair of variable diameters, pulleys connected by a steel or composite belt.
Although there are many variations of the CVT concept, in most road vehicles, each half of the pulley is attached to the cones’ end. It forms a V-shaped groove that moves the strap. One end of the pulley is fixed, the other end is movable and driven on a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder works based on the increase or decrease in the space between the two sides of the pulley, allowing the belt to move down or up along the pillar walls.
What Are The Different Types Of CVT?
There are numerous types of continuously variable transmissions, many of which are now available from major auto manufacturers.
- The Pulley-Based CVT is the most common CVT that uses an intricate pulley system instead of gears to provide seamless gear transitions.
- The Toroidal CVT transmission system uses rotating discs and power rollers to accomplish the pulley system’s function from a pulley-based CVT.
- A Hydrostatic CVT uses pumps to regulate fluid flow and create rotational motion.
What Are The Benefits Of CVT Transmissions?
Excellent fuel economy is a massive benefit for any long-distance commuters. CVTs are continually adapting to keep the engine RPMs low and constant and to avoid the high-speed engine that consumes petrol at a fair amount. CVTs have lower production costs as they have fewer running parts than conventional automatics. This is another attractive factor for carmakers and, therefore, for car buyers. CVTs ensure a smooth ride because the transmission is not always moving.
Where Can You Find Expert CVT Services?
Do you have problems with your broadcast? Do you suffer jerking, sliding, or suddenly losing acceleration? If you suspect that your vehicle may have a transmission problem or require a CVT transmission repair, drive to the Reliance Chevrolet Buick GMC in Bay City, TX and have an expert perform a complete transmission diagnosis and test.
Reliance Chevrolet Buick GMC Dealership 