AUTOMATIC VS CVT TRANSMISSION

The engine is the heart of the car and transmission is a heartbeat. The transmission system plays a crucial role in regulating the speed of the engine. It helps drivers to make a safe and smooth drive with controlled motion.

Practically speaking, transmission controls the speed by transferring power from engine to wheels. It functions when the driver changes the gears in different driving conditions.

Manual and Automatic are the two typical types of car transmission. But there are more technologies that have evolved in it. Many more types have been introduced in the market. Today, we are going to throw light on such a primitive type of transmission called CVT.

 

 

 

What is CVT in Car Transmission?

CVT refers to a continuously variable transmission which is an automatic gear changing technique which doesn’t have a fixed gear ratio. Whereas conventional cars comprise a manual transmission requiring hard shifts between the gears. That’s why CVT cars are popular as shiftless or single speed cars.  

Furthermore, CVT cars are expensive cars, due to their advanced technology and manufacturing cost. Recent SUV cars feature CVT transmission and are well-known in countries like the US.

CVT is considered as a type of automatic transmission; nevertheless, CVT vs automatic transmission is a debate.

 

How Does CVT Work?

CVT transmission works differently than the traditional gear-based transmissions. In this, a pulley system connected by a belt adjusting the power is integrated. Basic components used in the CVT transmission are-

High power steel belt, a variable-input “driving” pulley, an output “driven” pulley

One of the pulleys (drive pulley) is attached to the car’s engine and other (driven pulley) transmit the power to wheels.

Variable diameter pulleys are the backbone of CVT. Each pulley has a pair of cone shaped halves connected by a flexible steel belt facing each other. A belt rides between the two pulleys and creates friction.

Movement of cones increases or decreases its diameter resulting in changes in gear ratio. When the two cones set apart, the diameter of the cone increases and the belt rides lower. Diameter of the cone decreases and the belt rides higher when the cones are close together. It determines the high gear and low gear in the car. In this way, CVT works technically and controls the car’s speed.

 

What is Automatic Transmission?

Automation is the need of the time where convenience is considered a top priority. Automatic transmission is a common feature in present day vehicles. It provides the ultimate services for convenient and smooth driving.

However, understanding its exact meaning and the way it works is important to make you a better driver. Also, you can select the ideal one while shopping for an automatic car.

An Automatic Transmission in the car allows drivers to shift gears automatically. A vehicle with an automatic transmission doesn’t ask a driver to change gears manually and control speed.

Now, let’s understand why the transmission is called Automatic.

Automatic transmission directs the rotational force and speed of the car. Due to this, gear ratios get switched as the vehicle moves. That is why the transmission is named as Automatic. 

The first ever automatic transmission vehicle was introduced by Sturtevant in 1904. Centrifugal clutches were integrated in it to change the gears.

If you compare CVT vs AMT, then CVT will be more fuel efficient than the AMT (automatic).  

 

How Automatic Transmission Works?

Do you know, your car is engaged for each second, in doing work.

Millions of computations go into the car consistently. The integrated engine within the cars operates a whole system inside. Though we drive a car regularly, we don’t have knowledge of complexities in it. So, here we will be discussing how an automatic transmission in a car works.

Car transmission functions to make your drive much easier. Manual and Automatic car transmission serve similar purposes. But in a completely different way.

A car without transmission runs with a single gear ratio. An automatic vehicle would take a speed of 80 mph in its top gear which is equal to a third gear in manual cars.

In manual car driving, you would immediately understand that it starts with zero acceleration. Also, it gains speed when you change the gear and accelerate it. In short, you can control the speed of the car with different gear shifts in manual transmission.

Contrary, automatic transmission with the same set of gears creates various gear ratios. A device named planetary gear set makes it function. The whole automation process inside the car relies on planetary gear set.

The hydraulic system uses a planetary gear set inside an automatic transmission. In the hydraulic system, the oil pump in the car pressurized the transmission fluid. Owing to this, the motion of the car gets regulated. Also, it allows you to increase/decrease the speed of the car.

Besides this, it is also responsible for the car's forward and backward movement which helps to drive easily.

Talking more about a planetary gear set, its design is like a solar system. In this, three components of the gear set sun gear, ring gear, and planet gear plays a vital role. All these components are used to rotate or be held as it is. 

The car accelerates at its maximum speed when the ring gear is held and increases the torque. Whereas, the speed of the car gets decreased and ring gear acts as a driving force, when the sun gear is held. Versatility of the gear set lets the gears rearrange simultaneously.

In addition to this, the gears are arranged to determine how much power should flow from one gear to another. Automatic transmission consists of two planetary gear sets overlapped together in a single component.

Overall, the planetary system is an unsung hero in automatic transmission.

 

Difference Between CVT and Automatic Transmission

Cars are an addition to modern lives, whether it's automatic or manual. In almost all the countries, roads were looking occupied with the manual cars. In the last few years, the picture has changed. People are intending to buy automatic vehicles instead of manuals.

Attraction is the main attention point in this. But confusion is still there to choose between many. Apart from this, CVT is another choice to consider.

Now, let’s discuss the difference between CVT and automatic transmission.

Parameters	CVT	Automatic Transmission
Performance	The CVT car’s performance is excellent in terms of fuel efficiency.	Automatic transmission is better but not up to the mark, as it consumes more fuel than CVT.
Experience for Driver	CVT is a shiftless vehicle, so its smooth driving experience can make drivers feel relaxed. In particular, beginners can enjoy CVT drive learning.	Automatic transmission is best for those drivers who want to engage their minds to change gears. It’s more like conventional driving experience.
Mileage	CVT cars give better mileage than automatic.	Automatic cars are popular to give lower mileage.
Count of Gear	In CVT, you can find one gear with several gear ratios.	In an automatic car, there are 6 to 8 gears.
Cost	CVT cars are available at moderate prices. It can be affordable or expensive as well.	Automatic transmission cars are expensive.
Maintenance	CVT repairs are expensive if pulleys fail. Overall maintenance is also expensive.	Automatic car maintenance is also expensive. If the planetary gearbox fails, then repairs can be costly.
Applications	CVT technique is more found in SUV cars.	Automatic transmission has a wide range. Luxury sedans are included in the automatic cars.

 

CVT Vs AMT Transmission - FAQs

1. CVT Vs AMT Which Transmission Offers Better Mileage?

Un-interruption in power flow to wheels and swift gear change allows CVT to offer better mileage specifically while driving in city or highways.

2. Which Transmission Car Between CVT Vs AMT Has High Maintenance?

In comparison with the CVT, AMT cars have high maintenance. Because, it comprises an electro hydraulic actuator and clutch system along with an electronic control unit.  Repairing these components on failure costs higher.

3. Which Among CVT Vs AMT is Easier to Drive?

Cars having an integration of CVT, deliver a smoother ride experience than AMT and it's obvious; because CVT is a shiftless and single speed vehicle. So, it's more comfortable to drive.

4. Is CVT Good for Driving in Hilly Areas?

Yes, due to responsive acceleration CVT is good for driving in hilly areas as these cars can manage speed over the rough and uneven roads as well.

 

Disclaimer:

The information provided above is for general informational purposes only. It is advisable to consult with an expert before making any decisions.