Different Types of Transmissions

Different Types of Transmissions Key Transmission & Gear DenverDid you know that there are 3 different types of transmissions? Today, our experts at Key Transmission and Gears in Englewood, Colorado, will tell you all about them. Most people at least know that there are 2 basic types, manual and automatic. The third is called a continuously variable transmission or CVT. Let’s talk about what a transmission does, and then we’ll give a quick description of all three types.

Transmissions

A transmission is your car’s method of channeling power from the engine to the wheels. In other words, torque comes from the engine through an input shaft into the transmission. It passes through the gears of the transmission and is then transferred to the wheels by way of an output shaft.

Different gears control your car at different speeds. Each gear has its own specific ratio that turns your wheels at just the right speed, even in relation to each other. And as we said, there are 3 different types of transmissions.

Manual Transmissions

In a vehicle with a manual transmission, the driver is responsible for changing the gears. We disengage the gears by pressing the clutch pedal and then shift between them with a stick on the console. Back in the day, the stick was sometimes on the steering wheel but in modern cars, you’ll find it on the console.

Many people like the control that this gives them over a vehicle. They can control the exact point when their vehicle shifts gears. In most cases, this design offers better gas mileage which is another plus.

Automatic Transmissions

The automatic transmission does all the work for you. The transmission still has various gears, but you don’t have to switch between them. Multiple sensors in the vehicle monitor specific parameters and change gears accordingly.

Automatic transmissions tend to be more comfortable to drive, particularly if you spend a lot of time in stop and go traffic. They also usually require less maintenance than manuals which is a nice bonus.

Continuously Variable Transmissions

This transmission is steadily gaining popularity in the US, but you may not have run into it yet. Instead of gears, the CVT uses belts and pulleys that give the ability to have an infinite number of ratios.

In short, the transmission never has to shift. Some people find this disconcerting if they are familiar driving one of the other two types of transmissions. Always test drive a car before you buy. Some people just can’t get used to a CVT.

Needless to say, the ride is generally smoother, and the vehicle gets better gas mileage. This type of transmission is already commonly seen in scooters, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. Because of the smoothness, they’re also being seen more and more in hybrid cars.

Want upkeep or repair on any of the different types of transmissions? That’s what Key Transmission and Gears in Englewood is here for. With over 20 years of experience with all things transmissions, we’re certainly qualified to provide our expertise. Give us a call to schedule an appointment or stop by the shop.

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