What is the function of a transmission?
2 Answers
The functions of a transmission are: 1. To change the transmission ratio to meet the traction requirements under different driving conditions; 2. To enable reverse driving, meeting the need for the vehicle to move backward; 3. To interrupt power transmission; 4. To achieve neutral gear. The transmission, also known as the gearbox, is a mechanism used to change the speed and torque from the engine, and it can fix or change the transmission ratio between the output shaft and the input shaft in steps. Transmissions are divided into: 1. Stepped transmission: Uses gear transmission and has several fixed transmission ratios; 2. Continuously variable transmission (CVT): A transmission system that can continuously obtain any transmission ratio within the speed range.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the transmission plays a huge role—it's the engine's best helper, making the car run smoothly under various road conditions. The engine generates power, but its rotational speed can't directly match the wheel speed. For example, when climbing a steep slope, the engine needs more torque, while on highways, it should maintain higher RPMs for fuel efficiency. The transmission adjusts the gear ratio to optimize engine power delivery to the wheels: lower gears provide strong force for starting or climbing, while higher gears allow the engine to run effortlessly and save fuel. When operating, manual transmissions require you to press the clutch and shift gears yourself, whereas automatic transmissions handle everything seamlessly, making driving much easier. The transmission also protects the engine from overworking, preventing wear under low-speed, high-load conditions, thus extending the car's lifespan. On long drives, smooth gear shifting is crucial—otherwise, the car may jerk, affecting both driving comfort and safety. I believe the transmission is the core of the entire drivetrain; without it, the car simply wouldn't move.
