Are you shopping for a new vehicle? In case you are, you’ve probably come across the term CVT transmission. You have probably wondered what that term means, and if it was something you should get or avoid. Fortunately for you, we have made this guide to help you make a well-informed decision about CVT transmission vehicles.
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CVT stands for continuously variable transmission, which is quite different from the typical automatic transmission system you know. A standard automatic transmission system features a series of gears that work by transmitting power to the engine and finally to the wheels of the vehicle. A CVT system, on the other hand, doesn’t feature any gears; instead, it has a system of pulleys of variable width that connect to a belt.
One of its pulleys is attached to the engine, and the other to the vehicle’s wheels. Since the width is variable, it changes based on how much power the vehicle requires, hence the term continuous variable transmission. The main difference is that the CVT doesn’t come with ring, sun and planet gears, its gear ratios gain through a system of pulleys and belts.
Ideally, it’s a modified version of the standard automatic transmission, with the main advantage being fuel economy. If anything, the CVT fares a lot better compared to a manual transmission when it comes to fuel economy.
For decades, having three or four gears was considered enough for vehicle transmission systems. The very first automatic vehicles had two-speed levels. Currently, having eight, nine or even ten gears are becoming commonplace. So, what’s all the hype towards more gears?
Generally speaking, the more gears a vehicle has, the better it can optimize engine speed in a variety of driving conditions. Meaning its low gears can offer better acceleration whole its higher gears work for fuel economy. What this does is help the manufacturers attain government efficiency standards providing improved economy for vehicle owners.
The CVTs are quite different from the standard automatics, and the main difference is that they don’t have gears that offer the steps between low and high-speed operations. Instead, a majority of them work through a pair of variable diameters, cone-shaped pulleys that are connected by a steel or composite belt.
While there are several variations of the CVT concept, in most road-going vehicles, each half of the pulley is aligned to the pointed end of the cones touching. It forms a V-shaped groove where the belt runs. One end of the pulley, is fixed, while the other end is movable, and stimulated by a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder works by increasing or decreasing the space between the two sides of the pulley, allowing the belt to ride lower or higher along the walls of the pulley( depending on the driving conditions as well as changing gear ratios in the process).
The step-less nature of the CVT is what gives it its biggest advantage when it comes to automotive engineering. It’s due to this advantage that the CVT works to keep the engine in its ideal power range , and in effect, increasing fuel mileage and efficiency by offering an infinite number of smooth transitions from low to high. It’s due to its infinite variability nature that, according to the EPA, helps boost the vehicle’s fuel economy by about 6 percent.
The main advantage of a CVT transmission is the unparalleled efficiency it offers. Vehicles that come with CVT transmissions are the most efficient offering economies reaching up to 38MPG on mid-sized sedans. Currently, most hybrids use the CVT to help them achieve optimum fuel economy.
On steep inclines, traditional automatic transmissions will struggle under heavy load; the CVTs, on the other hand, will immediately find their exact ratios and provide power seamlessly without shifting. The seamless shifts are also advantageous when it comes to in-cabin ride experience offering smooth rides with hardly any noticeable shift changes.
While the CVT offers an unrivaled fuel economy, it comes with a cost that needs consideration. Replacing a CVT transmission costs roughly between $3,000 and $5,000 or higher. The CVTs won’t last nearly as long as the standard automatic transmissions, and it’s not surprising if they fail to run for more than 100K miles or less.
Additionally, when they fail, nine times out of ten they will need replacing and not repair. The main reason being, replacement parts are very expensive and almost impossible to locate, and in the event, they fail, the damage is extensive, repairing is not an option.
Another disadvantage of the CVT is that they fail to withstand the kind of horsepower, manuals or automatic transmissions can hold. It’s due to this reason that CVT systems are not ideal for performance situations.
Ultimately, getting a CVT is up to you- but AAMCO Utah recommends that you drive a CVT transmission vehicle before you buy one.
Are you having problems with your transmission? Are you experiencing any jerking, slippage, or sudden loss of acceleration? If you suspect your vehicle is having transmission issues or requires CVT transmission repair, drive into your local AAMCO Utah location and let our Utah mechanics perform a full transmission diagnosis and checkup.
AAMCO Utah is the leading transmission repair service in Utah and specializes in Transmission Repair and Maintenance. We also offer a wide range of auto repair services, including, Auto Tune-up Service, Suspension Service, and repair, Factory Recommended Service, Vehicle Air Conditioning Service, Battery Maintenance and Replacement, and many more.
Contact your local AAMCO Utah location for information about the services we offer. Your vehicle’s comfort is our business; call us today for a free quote.
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The post Everything You Need To Know About CVT Transmissions first appeared on AAMCO Utah Transmission Repair and General Car Repair.
