Is More Gears in a Transmission Always Better?
3 Answers
Transmission gears are indeed better when there are more of them. More gears in a transmission lead to higher transmission efficiency and smoother gear shifting. The functions of a transmission are: 1. Changing the transmission ratio to meet the traction requirements under different driving conditions; 2. Enabling reverse driving; 3. Interrupting power transmission to the drive wheels when the engine starts, idles, shifts gears, or needs to stop for power output. The maintenance methods for a transmission include: 1. Regularly changing the transmission fluid; 2. Frequently checking the fluid level; 3. Avoiding coasting in neutral; 4. Regularly cleaning the transmission; 5. Avoiding forced gear disengagement; 6. Reducing the time spent idling to warm up the car.
As a seasoned driver who has driven countless models, I don't believe more gears are a universal solution. While additional gears can indeed optimize fuel efficiency and keep the engine in its comfort zone—like saving fuel during highway cruising—too many gears can cause smoothness issues. Especially in congested urban environments, frequent gear shifts may feel jerky and detract from the driving experience. Take my 9-speed transmission car as an example: when poorly tuned, it can feel sluggish at low speeds, making it less comfortable than a 6-speed. More importantly, the more complex the structure, the higher the maintenance costs, with more parts and higher repair expenses. Balancing the number of gears is key—6 to 8 speeds usually offer the best compromise between performance and reliability. Too many gears are like flashy car features; their practicality may be overrated.
Driving my 5-year-old automatic transmission car, having more gears has its benefits but don't overdo it. More gears, like an 8-speed transmission, can more precisely match engine speed at different velocities, helping save fuel, especially on long trips. However, there are also downsides: the transmission becomes heavier, higher manufacturing costs lead to increased purchase prices and subsequent maintenance fees. A friend of mine switched to a 9-speed car and spent thousands on a single repair after encountering issues. In actual driving, too many gears can be inconvenient in stop-and-go city traffic, with frequent gear shifts causing discomfort. Relatedly, the number of gears isn't the deciding factor; driving habits and road conditions are more crucial. In mountainous areas with many slopes, fewer gears can make for simpler control. For most people, 6 speeds are sufficient—more just adds unnecessary burden.
