What is a CVT Transmission?
3 Answers
CVT transmission is a type of automatic transmission, commonly known as a continuously variable transmission. Its working principle is: transmitting the engine power through a steel belt and the grooves of two pulleys, from the primary pulley to the secondary pulley, and then through the main reducer to the drive wheels, achieving power transmission. Common automatic transmissions include AT transmission, CVT transmission, AMT transmission, DCT transmission, etc. Except for CVT transmission, other transmissions have real gears, while CVT transmission does not have real gears. When starting and accelerating with uniform throttle application, observe the tachometer needle. For transmission models with real gears, the needle shows obvious upshift actions, while the CVT transmission continuously and slowly increases the RPM or maintains a certain RPM.
CVT transmission actually stands for Continuously Variable Transmission. When I first started driving, I was also curious about what it was because, unlike a regular automatic transmission, it doesn't have fixed gear shifts. Its design uses a system of pulleys and belts to continuously adjust the gear ratio, keeping the engine at an efficient RPM. I understand its biggest advantage is that it drives very smoothly, without the jerky feeling of traditional gear shifts, and it's more fuel-efficient, especially in stop-and-go city traffic. However, I've also noticed that its acceleration isn't as strong, sometimes feeling like gliding, which lacks a bit of driving excitement. Many Japanese cars use this type of transmission, such as Honda and Toyota. It might be slightly more complex to repair, but overall, it's quite suitable for beginners and daily commuting.
As a driver who prefers traditional transmissions, I've driven manual and automatic cars for many years. CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) offers a fresh experience, with its core mechanism using two variable-diameter pulleys to seamlessly change gear ratios instead of shifting gears via a lever. In actual driving, I find it indeed provides smooth acceleration, reducing jerky movements, especially in traffic jams where its fuel-saving effect is noticeable. However, the downside is that the control response isn't as direct, making it feel like it lacks some driving excitement, particularly when climbing hills on mountain roads. Nowadays, many car manufacturers promote CVT as part of modern automotive technology, balancing economy and comfort.
