Common Car Transmissions

Manual Transmission

A manual transmission is a type of transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears. This is done by using a gear shift lever to move the gearshift into the desired gear. Manual transmissions are typically found in sports cars and other performance vehicles, as they offer more control over the vehicle’s performance. However, they can also be found in some economy cars and trucks.

• Advantages of manual transmissions:
  • More control over the vehicle’s performance
  • Improved fuel economy
  • Lower cost than automatic transmissions
• Disadvantages of manual transmissions:
  • Can be difficult to learn to drive
  • Can be tiring to drive in stop-and-go traffic
  • May not be suitable for all drivers

Automatic Transmission

An automatic transmission is a type of transmission that automatically shifts gears for the driver. This is done by using a computer to monitor the vehicle’s speed and engine RPM and shift gears accordingly. Automatic transmissions are typically found in most passenger cars and SUVs. They are also found in some light trucks.

• Advantages of automatic transmissions:
  • Easier to drive than manual transmissions
  • Less tiring to drive in stop-and-go traffic
  • Suitable for all drivers
• Disadvantages of automatic transmissions:
  • Less control over the vehicle’s performance
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Higher cost than manual transmissions

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a type of transmission that uses a belt or chain to connect two pulleys. The pulleys are constantly changing their size, which allows the CVT to provide an infinite number of gear ratios. This results in a smooth, seamless driving experience.

• Advantages of CVTs:
  • Smooth, seamless driving experience
  • Improved fuel economy
  • Compact size
• Disadvantages of CVTs:
  • Less control over the vehicle’s performance
  • May not be suitable for all vehicles
  • Can be more expensive than other types of transmissions

Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)

A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is a type of transmission that uses two clutches. This allows for faster, smoother gear changes than a traditional automatic transmission. DCTs are typically found in high-performance vehicles.

• Advantages of DCTs:
  • Faster, smoother gear changes
  • Improved fuel economy
  • Compact size
• Disadvantages of DCTs:
  • More complex than other types of transmissions
  • May not be suitable for all vehicles
  • Can be more expensive than other types of transmissions