What are the basic functions of a transmission?

[Bentley]

The basic functions of a transmission: 1. Change the transmission ratio to expand the range of torque and speed variations of the driving wheels, adapting to frequently changing driving conditions while allowing the engine to operate under favorable working conditions; 2. Enable the vehicle to reverse while maintaining the same engine rotation direction; 3. Utilize neutral gear to interrupt power transmission, allowing the engine to start, idle, and facilitating gear shifting or power output. Transmissions can be divided into manual and automatic types. Manual transmissions mainly consist of gears and shafts, achieving speed and torque variations through different gear combinations. Automatic transmissions (AT) are composed of a torque converter, planetary gears, a hydraulic torque variation system, and a hydraulic control system.

[RiverLynn]

The transmission, simply put, makes the car run more flexibly, especially ensuring the engine doesn't overwork under different road conditions. After years of driving, I've found its most crucial functions are adjusting speed and power: providing strong acceleration without stuttering at startup, and maintaining smooth engine rotation at high speeds for both speed and fuel efficiency. Manual transmissions require clutch pedaling and gear shifting—more effort but greater control; automatics just need a button press, perfect for city commutes. When climbing hills, the transmission boosts power to prevent rollback; downhill, it helps decelerate, reducing brake wear—truly thoughtful. Poor maintenance leads to issues like jerky shifts, and dirty fluid shortens lifespan if unchanged. Without a transmission, a car would be as stiff as a person unable to breathe or move—it dynamically matches engine and wheels for smooth, safe, economical driving. A good transmission makes driving feel effortlessly slick, like gliding on oil.

[SamuelMarie]

I usually enjoy tinkering with car parts. The basic function of a transmission is to adjust the engine speed ratio, ensuring the vehicle can adapt power output during startup, climbing, and high-speed driving. At startup, lower gears provide strong torque for propulsion, like a charging bull; during cruising, upshifting stabilizes the engine speed, keeping it as quiet as a maiden. Manual transmissions offer direct gear shifting for a fun experience, while automatic transmissions provide smoother and more comfortable driving with hydraulic intelligent tuning. It also affects fuel efficiency—a good transmission saves fuel, prevents jerking, and keeps the engine healthy. When driving on mountain roads or carrying loads, the transmission truly shines. Maintenance requires timely checks of transmission fluid to avoid contamination and erratic failures. Overall, it acts as a medium, converting engine power into wheel speed, ensuring the car runs smoothly, powerfully, and durably as desired.

[StJasper]

After driving for most of one's life, the transmission essentially does one thing: perform magic to make the engine's rotation match the wheels' speed. It provides thrust at low speeds during startup and saves fuel without emitting smoke at high speeds. Manual transmissions require precise gear shifting by the driver but are easy to operate; automatic transmissions are hassle-free with just a button press. The key is that the engine doesn't need to rev wildly to pull the car forward—uphill climbs get a boost from lower gears, while downhill descents are stabilized by downshifting. The quality of the transmission determines whether driving is smooth or jerky, with unpleasant noise and shuddering. Neglecting maintenance can lead to failures like slipping or complete breakdowns, posing safety risks that demand immediate repair. Its simple function is to match engine speed and power, ensuring dynamic balance for effortless and fatigue-free driving.

[Diego]

The basic function of a transmission is essentially to convert the engine's output speed and power to meet the needs of the wheels. I figure that the car's transmission adjusts the power ratio—delivering strong torque at low speeds for climbing hills and towing, while maintaining stable RPMs at high speeds for faster and more economical driving. Manual transmissions require manual gear shifting for precise adjustment, whereas automatic transmissions intelligently match gears for smoother operation. The core function enables the engine to efficiently and economically drive the vehicle at varying speeds by adjusting RPMs. It also impacts driving comfort, such as ensuring smooth gear shifts to prevent jerking or abnormal noises, thereby enhancing safety. Poor maintenance can lead to delays or oil leakage faults, so regular checks and fluid maintenance can extend its lifespan. The purpose is to optimize power transmission, making the car agile, safe, fuel-efficient, durable, and delivering a seamless, comfortable driving experience.