Since the decade of the middle of 50s, automatic transmission started replacing the manual in many countries and many manufacturers took the change positively and reflected while launching their models since then. Slowly but steadily automatic transmission won the race in making cars and trucks turn towards it.
After years of experience with the manual transmissions, the concept of running cars with automatic ones could be seen evolving over the years. Today, the success rate of this transmission is so huge that it takes time to find out vehicles that are still available with manual transmissions. Then we also get to see Continuously Variable Transmissions. It is quite understandable, where the manual and automatic transmission would differ, but the difference between automatic and CVT don’t appear to many, to be that simple. So let us take a closer look and learn the differences between both the transmissions from the experts of the Cadillac dealer Palmdale.
The Automatic Transmission
In automatic transmission a fluid that flows from coupling of multiple turbines change the gears with the help of hydraulic pressure that works both for locking and unlocking of a lengthy series of planetary gears. These gears work with shift points that are primarily determined by the load of the engine and its vacuum. On the other side, a torque converting machine replacing the friction clutch of a manual transmission, decouples the torque of the engine to the transmission and allows the driver to get better hold on the vehicle when he is particularly at a stop in a gear without stopping the engine.
CVT Transmission
The continuously variable transmission (or CVT transmission) as the other transmission type is framed on a totally different concept of design that can keep changing and adapting effective gear ratios constantly. The CVT transmissions are mostly used on vehicles that are consistent of forklifts and snowmobiles in the recent past, but now more and more vehicles are adapting to this type of transmission.
Why to Use CVT Transmission
The very basic advantage of using a CVT transmission is because of its simple way of working, or in other words, it’s simple mechanism. While an automatic transmission is consistent of thousand parts assembled with precision that operate with very less tolerance for each other, the CVT is made of much lesser number of parts in comparison. As a result, the costs of manufacturing, repairs or overhauling of automatic transmissions are much higher than that of the CVTs .
Why Still Not So Popular
This comparison must be raising the question, why CVTs are yet to come closer to the popularity of the automatic transmission, with so many advantages. The answer is its loss of efficiency faced by many drivers especially at the times of acceleration, and the expense in replacing it. Some of the test drivers working at the Cadillac Palmdale, also complain about the sound it makes, if the engine revs up a little higher before the CVT transmission is properly warmed up. Then comes the lack of stepped shifting that brings down the maneuverability of the car a bit.
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and Automatic Transmission are both popular choices, but they operate a bit differently. While Automatic Transmissions stick to a fixed set of gears, CVTs offer a more dynamic and adaptable experience. Each has its perks, so it really boils down to personal preference and driving style. I hope this clears things up! Cool article. Learned something. Thanks for the write-up.