How often should the CVT transmission steel belt be replaced?

[OGriffin]

Under normal usage, the lifespan of a CVT transmission steel belt is approximately 200,000 kilometers, which is significantly influenced by individual driving habits. CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission. Below are the advantages of using a CVT transmission: 1. Excellent fuel economy: CVT can achieve stepless speed change over a wide range, obtaining the best match between the transmission system and engine conditions. By relying on the transmission's stepless speed regulation to adapt to various vehicle speeds, the engine can operate under optimal conditions for extended periods, thereby improving combustion efficiency and fuel economy. 2. Superior power performance: CVT can achieve closed-loop control with the engine, fully utilizing the engine's maximum torque. Its performance in reducing speed and increasing torque is significantly better than MT and AT. Therefore, when installed in SUV models that emphasize torque, CVT-equipped vehicles show a 7.5% to 11.5% improvement in acceleration performance (0~100km/h) compared to AT vehicles, with better high-speed acceleration than MT vehicles. The characteristics of CVT make its power performance notably superior to manual transmissions (MT) and automatic transmissions (AT). 3. Enhanced comfort: CVT improves driving comfort. Without fixed gears, the shifting process is continuous and linear, providing smooth acceleration without gear shift shocks. There is no downshift jerking during rapid acceleration as with AT. The CVT system has a wide transmission ratio range, typically between 2.400 and 0.395, allowing the engine to run at low speeds with minimal noise during high-speed driving, offering a quiet and relaxed driving experience for both the driver and passengers. 4. Improved handling: When matched with a torque converter, the CVT transmission can amplify engine torque, resulting in quicker starts and smoother acceleration. When overtaking, deep pressing of the accelerator does not produce the downshift sensation of AT but instead adjusts the speed ratio to amplify torque. During high-speed cornering, releasing the accelerator does not cause the upshift phenomenon seen in AT, maintaining torque for exiting corners at high speeds. CVT provides superior engine braking compared to AT. It can automatically detect slopes, adjusting the speed ratio to increase torque output when climbing and enhancing engine braking torque when descending long slopes to reduce coasting speed, thereby improving safety and handling.

[StArya]

My old car has a CVT transmission, a Nissan Sylphy that has run 150,000 kilometers, and the steel belt has never been replaced. I’ve been changing the transmission fluid every 60,000 kilometers, a habit I started right after buying the car. The steel belt is like a metal chain, transferring engine power to the wheels, and it’s designed to be very durable—under normal driving conditions, it can last over 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers. The key lies in driving habits: frequent acceleration in city traffic or aggressive uphill driving can accelerate wear, while steady highway cruising is much gentler on it. If the transmission slips, makes unusual noises, or lacks power during acceleration, the steel belt might be the issue—repairs are expensive and can lead to breakdowns. Don’t skimp on maintenance; regular checks of fluid conditions at a professional shop are the most reliable. Many in car enthusiast groups neglect this, only to end up calling for a tow truck midway, wasting both money and time.