Is the CVT transmission of the Camry durable?
2 Answers
The CVT transmission of the Camry is durable. Here is a relevant introduction to the Camry's CVT transmission: 1. The full English name of CVT is Continuous-Variable-Transmission, which means "mechanical continuously variable transmission" or simply a continuously variable transmission. The main components of a CVT system include the driving pulley set, driven pulley set, metal belt, and hydraulic pump. This type of transmission uses a belt and variable-diameter pulleys to transmit power, allowing the transmission system to achieve optimal matching with the engine's operating conditions. 1. Advantages: Since there are no transmission gears like in a conventional automatic transmission, the associated gear-shifting jerkiness is eliminated. As a result, the CVT transmission provides smooth and linear power output, making the driving experience very comfortable. Theoretically, a CVT transmission can have an infinite number of gear ratios, allowing for more flexible gear settings. It is easier to achieve a balance between gear ratios, speed ratios, performance, fuel consumption, and emissions compared to traditional transmission systems. The mechanical efficiency and fuel economy of CVT transmissions are significantly better than those of conventional automatic transmissions, second only to manual transmissions, and offer much better fuel efficiency. 3. Disadvantages: Compared to traditional automatic transmissions, CVT has not been applied in cars for very long. There are still relatively few cars equipped with CVT in the domestic market, which means the maintenance costs for CVT are relatively high. Additionally, improper operation can lead to a higher probability of issues. CVT transmissions have limited torque capacity; 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 around 1 to 1.5 liters.
The CVT transmission in the Camry is quite durable. I've driven this car for over three years myself and found it very reliable. The advantage of a CVT is its smooth shifting, providing a jerk-free driving experience, and it's also noticeably fuel-efficient. Toyota vehicles are generally known for their good quality, and the Camry, as a classic model, has a CVT transmission designed with numerous safety factors in mind, making it less prone to major issues. However, durability depends on maintenance. I recommend changing the transmission fluid every 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers to prevent internal wear caused by fluid degradation. Frequent hard acceleration or driving in mountainous areas might increase the load, but under normal usage, it's common for the transmission to last seven to eight years without problems. From what I've seen online, many Camry owners share experiences indicating that the CVT can last over 150,000 kilometers without issues, which is much better than some other brands' CVTs. So overall, with regular maintenance, it's a durable and cost-effective choice.