What are the advantages and disadvantages of CVT transmissions?

[StAngela]

CVT transmissions have the following advantages: 1. Advantages: Good fuel economy. CVT can achieve continuously variable transmission over a wide range, allowing optimal matching between the transmission system and engine conditions. By using continuously variable speed adjustment to adapt to various vehicle speeds, the engine can operate under optimal conditions for extended periods, thereby improving combustion efficiency and fuel economy. 2. Disadvantages: Limited maximum torque capacity and slightly lower stability. CVT transmissions use chains (or belts, etc.) for power transmission, so when handling high torque, the requirements for the transmission chain are quite stringent (no breakage, slipping, etc.). As a result, early CVT transmissions could not be installed in high-power vehicle models.

[EmilianoFitz]

I've driven several CVT cars, and the most obvious thing is how smooth they are, just like butter! In city traffic, there's absolutely no jerking when following other cars, and the engine sound remains consistently stable, which is quite pleasant. In terms of fuel consumption, it definitely has an advantage—it always finds the most fuel-efficient RPM point. For example, my friend's Japanese car only consumes a little over 5 liters on the highway. However, there are downsides to mention. When accelerating hard, the engine roars but the push-back feeling isn't very noticeable, especially when overtaking, which can be a bit frustrating. Another annoying point is the cold-start protection—it always takes a few seconds for the transmission belt to warm up before you can drive normally, something northern users deeply understand in winter.

[ColtonMarie]

From a car maintenance perspective, CVT is quite contradictory. My family car has 70,000 kilometers on it, and it's indeed hassle-free and cost-effective in daily use: simple structure with fewer parts, a transmission fluid change only costs a few hundred, much cheaper than a dual-clutch. However, an experienced mechanic once warned me that repairing this transmission is much more troublesome than an AT. Once the steel belt or cone pulleys have issues, you basically have to replace the entire unit, costing several thousand. Additionally, it's not very suitable for those who enjoy aggressive driving. If you frequently floor the accelerator or tow heavy loads, the risk of chain slippage increases. For durability, it's recommended to check the fluid condition during every maintenance service—this is something you shouldn't skip.

[VanLandon]

The ingenuity of CVT lies in its revolutionary physical structure. While traditional transmissions interrupt power with clunky gear shifts, CVT seamlessly adjusts gear ratios using two conical pulleys clamping a steel belt, effectively creating infinite virtual gears. This design keeps the engine consistently within its optimal RPM range, making it exceptionally fuel-efficient whether accelerating from a stoplight or cruising. However, steel belt transmission has inherent physical limitations—it's prone to slipping under high torque, which is why it's rarely used in high-displacement off-road vehicles. Additionally, prolonged friction degrades the belt's precision over time, leading to whining noises resembling belt slippage in older vehicles.