What does the term 'gearbox' mean in cars?
3 Answers
Generally, the term 'gearbox' is commonly referred to as the transmission in cars, also known as the gearbox in some regions. It is used to control the direction of the car's movement, such as forward and reverse, and to regulate the car's speed. Classification of car transmissions: The car transmission is located next to the car's engine and is divided into two types: manual and automatic. Differences between car transmissions: Manual transmissions mainly consist of gears and shafts, achieving speed and torque changes through different gear combinations. Automatic transmissions (AT) are composed of a torque converter, planetary gears, a hydraulic torque system, and a hydraulic control system, achieving speed and torque changes through hydraulic transmission and gear combinations.
The first time I heard someone mention 'yaxiang' in relation to cars, I was completely confused. Later, an experienced mechanic explained that it's actually the colloquial term for the transmission used by veteran drivers in northern China. It functions like the gear-shifting command center of a car, specifically managing the power transmission route between the engine and the wheels. Having driven manual transmission cars for over a decade, every time I press the clutch to shift gears, it relies on the coordination of the yaxiang gear set—low gears provide power for climbing hills, while high gears save fuel on long trips. The yaxiang in automatic transmissions is even smarter, with the computer automatically selecting the optimal gear. However, it's essential to regularly change the transmission fluid for maintenance. Last year, my car's yaxiang started slipping and making strange noises; the inspection revealed a valve body malfunction, costing over 4,000 yuan to repair. It was painful, but there was no other choice.
Having repaired cars for over 20 years, customers often mention the term 'gearbox,' which is actually industry slang for the transmission. At its core, it's a combination of gear sets and drive shafts that alter the power output ratio through the meshing of different gears. Common issues include gear wear and slippage, oil seal leaks, or stuck solenoid valves. The other day, an SUV wouldn't move when shifted into D; upon disassembly, we found the power interruption was caused by deformed blades in the torque converter. It's recommended to replace the specialized transmission fluid every 60,000 kilometers, with a flush machine being more thorough for automatic transmissions. Always remember to shift into N when towing, or you risk directly damaging the planetary gear set inside the gearbox.
