What does continuously variable transmission in automotive gearboxes mean?

[VonEmiliano]

Automotive continuously variable transmission (CVT) refers to a gearbox without fixed gear ratios, and its functions include: 1. Changing the transmission ratio to expand the range of torque and speed variations of the driving wheels, adapting to frequently changing driving conditions and allowing the engine to operate under favorable conditions; 2. Enabling the vehicle to reverse while maintaining the same engine rotation direction; 3. Utilizing neutral gear to interrupt power transmission, facilitating engine startup, idling, and making it easier to shift gears or output power. Maintenance methods for automotive gearboxes include: 1. Regularly changing the transmission fluid; 2. Frequently checking the fluid level; 3. Avoiding coasting in neutral; 4. Skipping gears when upshifting; 5. Not forcing the transmission into neutral; 6. Minimizing the duration of idling to warm up the engine; 7. Preventing gear grinding when shifting; 8. Cleaning the transmission.

[MarleyFitz]

I've been a car repair master for twenty years, let me talk about this continuously variable transmission (CVT) thing. It's completely different from the automatic transmissions we used in older cars, the most obvious difference being you can't feel any gear shifts in the car. The principle relies on two conical pulleys and a high-strength steel belt to change the speed ratio, allowing the engine RPM to always stay in the most fuel-efficient state. The biggest feeling you get when driving is how incredibly smooth it is - when you step on the accelerator to speed up, there's none of that jerky feeling, and it's very stable when climbing hills. The downside is that the steel belt can develop wear and noise over time, and aggressive driving can easily cause slippage. But nowadays many Japanese cars use this system - it's quite worry-free for family use, though repairs are a bit more complicated than traditional automatic transmissions.

[Marley]

During the test drive of a certain brand's CVT model last time, the salesperson mentioned this as the core advantage of continuously variable transmission technology. Instead of fixed gears, it continuously changes the gear ratio through two sets of movable conical pulleys. The benefits are buttery-smooth power delivery, like chocolate, and approximately 5% lower fuel consumption compared to conventional AT automatic transmissions. However, the drawbacks include the need for special transmission fluid, shorter maintenance intervals, and a rubber band effect during sudden acceleration. As an owner, three key points to note are: gentle driving for 3 minutes after cold starts to protect the steel belt, avoiding launch starts, and regular replacement of the dedicated transmission fluid. These details directly impact the transmission's lifespan.

[Raphael]

As an automotive editor, I'm often asked if CVT is worth buying. Essentially, it uses a hydraulic system to control the clamping force of the cone pulleys, allowing the steel belt to slide across different diameter positions for gear changes. The advantage is smooth and fuel-efficient urban commuting, making it particularly suitable for congested roads. However, when driving on mountain roads, be cautious during long descents - avoid constant brake usage and instead shift to lower gears to utilize engine braking, which better protects the transmission. For the first 3,000 kilometers of a new car, it's recommended to avoid flooring the accelerator; allowing internal components to properly break in before aggressive driving will ensure greater durability.