Does a CVT Have Gears?

[MacOwen]

CVT does not have gears. Here is an introduction to the related content: 1. Gear Shifting Principle: This type of transmission is a continuously variable transmission, and its gear shifting principle differs from that of conventional transmissions. 2. Internal Structure: The internal structure of a CVT transmission consists of two cone pulleys and a steel belt. 3. Working Principle: The working principle involves the steel belt moving on the cone pulleys to achieve speed and torque variation. The CVT transmission relies on the friction between the steel belt and the cone pulleys to transmit power. 4. Composition: The transmission is composed of a gear shifting mechanism and a control mechanism. Some vehicles also have a power output mechanism. The transmission mechanism mostly uses ordinary gear transmission, while some use planetary gear transmission.

[DiNevaeh]

I've been researching CVT transmissions for several years, and it's true that they don't have specific gears like manual or automatic transmissions. The CVT works through a belt and pulley system, where the size of the pulleys can be continuously adjusted, allowing the gear ratio to change without fixed points when you accelerate. Driving feels incredibly smooth because the engine speed is always kept in the efficient range, without the jerks or sound changes of gear shifts. This design makes CVTs excel in fuel efficiency, especially in city driving, where fuel consumption is significantly lower than traditional transmissions. However, there are drawbacks, such as less powerful output when climbing steep hills compared to gear transmissions, and some drivers complain about sluggish starts. Overall, CVTs blur the concept of gears, replacing them with continuous variation, which aligns well with modern energy-saving trends.

[LeAnna]

I've driven several CVT-equipped cars, like common Japanese models, and it feels like there's no concept of gears at all. When pressing the accelerator, the speed increases incredibly smoothly without any noticeable shift jerks or jumps—much more comfortable than constantly engaging the clutch with a manual transmission. The engine RPM rises or falls steadily, producing a continuous hum, avoiding those sudden RPM fluctuations. This truly makes daily commuting more effortless, especially in traffic jams where you don't need to worry about gear changes. However, during sudden acceleration, the power response might not feel as aggressive, leaving you wanting more engine punch. Overall, CVT simplifies the driving process by eliminating distinct gear separations, ultimately enhancing comfort.

[DelKevin]

My family has had a CVT car for five or six years, and I can confirm it doesn't have gears. Traditional transmissions have a fixed number of gears, but CVT relies on a set of precision pulleys to transmit power, allowing for stepless ratio adjustment, delivering a seamless acceleration experience. This means smoother driving, less wear on components, and simpler maintenance compared to geared transmissions—just requiring regular changes of the dedicated transmission fluid. However, CVTs also have drawbacks, such as potentially increased noise at high speeds or under heavy loads, and costly repairs. Overall, the driving freedom and efficiency gains from choosing a CVT, free from the constraints of gears, are quite worthwhile.