CVT Transmission vs. Automatic: Which one is better?

Even if you don’t know much about transmission, you’ve heard of two general names manual and automatic. A CVT is the latest type of latter. CVT stands for continuously variable transmission, that’s why it is also known as shiftless transmission.

Benefits of CVT

One of the main advantages of CVT is that it is more fuel-efficient than a conventional automatic transmission. Depending on the vehicle and driver, a CVT also provides a smoother driving experience as compared to a regular one.

Additionally, they are becoming a more popular choice for automakers in many vehicles.

How does a CVT work?

To see how a CVT works you first need to understand a manual and a regular automatic functioning. A manual has a set number of gears, and it’s up to the driver to adjust the gear ratio.

On the other side, an automatic transmission has also a specific number of gears. However, it uses a hydraulic system that responds to the pressure created by the conditions to determine the gear without any interference from the driver.

A CVT transmission is similar to an automatic as both don’t require any input from the driver. But that’s the only similarity between them. A CVT doesn’t operate on gears, instead, it has two pulleys. One is connected to the engine and the other one with the wheel. A flexible belt connects both of these pulleys.

The width of the pulleys changes depending on the required speed and power of the vehicle. When one pulley gets larger the other one gets smaller. Since neither the pulley nor the belt are fixed, they can produce an infinite number of gears.

This is one of three types of CVT. Other types include Toroidal CVT, which uses the disks with the help of power rollers to get the same results as pulleys. The hydrostatic CVT uses pumps to control fluid flow; which results in a rotational motion.

Which is better a CVT or an Automatic?

One of the advantages of a CVT is its ability to continuously change its gear ratio. This means no matter what the engine speed is, it will always perform at its peak efficiency.

That’s why CVTs offer better fuel efficiency when driving in cities. Most people say that most CVTs offer a smoother ride than a similar car with a regular transmission. This is because the transmission never shifts.

There is no abrupt downshifting when a car needs additional power. There is no feeling of gear hunting that you sometimes feel with a traditional automatic.

Disadvantages of CVT

Some drivers newly shifting to a CVT miss the sensation of the vehicle moving through the shift points. If you prefer a sportier driving experience, then the lack of fixed gears makes the ride less engaging.

Some of the common problems that owners face are overheating, slipping, and sudden loss of acceleration. Shuddering is also a common problem.

Since CVTs require belts to function, if these suffer from excessive stretching or too much wear, the transmission can completely fail.

Are any of these issues familiar to you? Contact Mad Lab now for a quick inspection of your car or a professional CVT transmission repair in Edmonton.