Some CVTs use a belt or chain-driven system. In other words, the fixed gear ratios are replaced with a constantly varying speed setting. Instead of a set number of individual gears, CVTs employ methods to vary the engine speed across the engine’s operating range. How Do CVTs Work?ĬVTs use a variety of designs, but they share a common theme. Unlike a traditional geared transmission, a CVT can vary the engine speed across a very wide range. Where a CVT differs from a traditional automatic transmission is the number of fixed speed ratios it can achieve. In daily use, a CVT acts like any other automatic transmission with regard to how your drive mode is selected. Others use other techniques to achieve the same ends. Some have torque converters like traditional fixed-ratio automatics. Like all automatics, you have a gear selector, and the usual P, R, N, D, L are offered. Technically, a CVT is an automatic transmission. One selects Dive or Reverse, and the CVT then handles the engine’s speed range settings. CVT vs "Automatic" TransmissionĪ CVT offers most of the same ease of use that traditional automatics do. Drive a CVT for a while, then hop in a car with a traditional transmission, and you may say, “Why does this car keep on shifting ?” It doesn’t take long to appreciate the smoother drive of a CVT if you are open to it. New is scary, and sometimes it makes a driver react negatively. They are smoother and don’t provide the “shifting” feeling we had all become accustomed to. Let’s keep in mind that other types of automatic transmission during that same period also had TSBs, extended warranties, and recalls.Īside from some legitimate failures, CVTs gained a bad reputation early on because they offer a different sensation than traditional fixed gear ratio transmissions. Nissan, Subaru, and other brands responded with technical service bulletins, extended warranties, and in some cases, recalls. Like many new technologies, some early CVTs had legitimate reliability issues. Some used vehicle models and years do have examples of poor reliability Some brands have outstanding reliability history No difference in usage than old-school automatics (familiar controls) Since a CVT does not rely on a fixed number of gear ratios, the transmission is constantly adjusting based on how much power is needed, which results in a very smooth and fuel-efficient driving experience. Traditional, mechanical transmissions have a fixed number of gear ratios, such as 6,8, or 10, and have a noticeable shift-feel when switching between gear ratios. They are also known as, "single-speed" or "shiftless" transmissions. Suburu CVT Transmission Life ExpectancyĪ CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission, is a type of automatic transmission that constantly and seamlessly shifts through an unlimited number of gear ratios to make the engine run more efficiently.Nissan CVT Transmission Life Expectancy.Toyota CVT Transmission Life Expectancy.How Long Do CVT Transmissions Last On Popular Car Brands?.In addition to online publications such as Car Talk, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers, and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. In 2008 he retired from that career and dedicated himself to chasing his dream of being an auto writer. Always a writer, John has published numerous articles in technical journals such as Chemical Processing Magazine. For 20 years, he applied his engineering and sales talents in the worlds of semiconductor manufacturing, biopharmaceutical production, and automotive electronics supply chain. After earning his engineering degree, John also completed a marketing program at Northeastern University. His was the role of the battery thermal control designer. In the 1990s, he was part of an academic team that built a solar-electric vehicle from scratch. John's focus areas are technology, safety, and green vehicles. John Goreham is a life-long car nut and recovering engineer.
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