Is AT Transmission an Automatic Transmission?
2 Answers
AT transmission is an automatic transmission. Here are the relevant introductions: Composition: AT consists of a torque converter, planetary gears, and a hydraulic control system, achieving variable speed and torque through hydraulic transmission and gear combinations. The torque converter is the most important component of AT, comprising elements such as the pump wheel, turbine, and guide wheel, serving both torque transmission and clutch functions. Models: These include the Hydraulic Automatic Transmission (AT), Mechanical Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), Electronically Controlled Mechanical Automatic Transmission (AMT), and Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). AT is commonly used in passenger cars and has almost become synonymous with automatic transmissions.
I usually drive a car with an AT transmission, which is definitely an automatic. Just think about those letters on the gear shift: P for Park, R for Reverse, N for Neutral, D for Drive—no need to touch the clutch pedal at all. The biggest difference from a manual transmission is the absence of a clutch pedal, as gear shifts are entirely controlled by the vehicle's computer operating the hydraulic system. At red lights, there's no need to frequently press the clutch or shift gears, making it very convenient. However, AT cars do consume more fuel than manual transmissions, mainly due to some loss in transmission efficiency.