Can CVT Shudder Be Left Unrepaired?
2 Answers
Whether it needs repair depends on whether it affects driving. Some cars may experience shaking when accelerating sharply, in which case repair is necessary. The advantages and disadvantages of CVT continuously variable transmission are as follows: 1. Advantages: (1) Since there are no transmission gears like in a conventional automatic transmission, the accompanying gearshift shock is eliminated, resulting in linear power output from the CVT transmission, which provides a very smooth driving experience. (2) The CVT transmission system theoretically allows for an infinite number of gears, offering greater flexibility in gear settings. It is easier to achieve the balance between gear ratio, speed ratio, performance, fuel consumption, and exhaust emissions in traditional transmission systems. (3) The mechanical efficiency and fuel economy of CVT transmission are significantly better than those of conventional automatic transmissions, second only to manual transmissions, offering much better fuel efficiency. 2. Disadvantages: (1) Compared to traditional automatic transmissions, CVT has not been used in cars for very long, and there are still few cars equipped with CVT in the domestic market. This means that the maintenance cost of CVT is relatively high, and improper operation increases the likelihood of problems. (2) CVT transmissions can only handle limited torque. Except for the Multitronic transmission in the Audi A6, most CVT transmissions cannot handle heavy loads and are only suitable for small cars with engine displacements of around 1 to 1.5 liters.
After buying my car, I also experienced CVT shuddering issues. At first, I thought it was nothing and kept driving, but after a few weeks, the shaking became worse and gear shifts weren't smooth anymore. This kind of shuddering could stem from CVT belt wear, insufficient fluid, or sensor malfunctions. Ignoring it will accelerate transmission damage. If left unrepaired for a long time, at best you'll face higher fuel consumption and poor driving experience, at worst it may lead to major repairs or even sudden breakdowns while driving, increasing safety risks. Now I always advise friends to get professional inspections as soon as they notice abnormalities. Changing fluids or making adjustments costs little compared to expensive repairs later.