What is CVT in Cars? Know the Difference with AT
The CVT feature is currently used by almost all car manufacturers. This type of transmission is considered the latest breakthrough in the automotive world. However, not everyone understands what CVT is in cars. Many even assume that the CVT transmission feature is the same as the AT transmission? To help you understand it further, you need to know the differences between the two. For more details, please pay attention to the following review.
What is CVT in Cars?
CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission. In cars, CVT is one type of automatic transmission system. In the CVT system, to change speed, the transmission system only utilizes one set of transmission gears. As is known, in other transmission systems, changing speed in cars requires various different gear sets. The simpler working mechanism of CVT is considered by automotive experts to save fuel, provide smoother speed transitions, and make the car's performance feel more responsive.
Differences Between CVT and AT
Before the CVT transmission system existed, there were other transmission systems used by automatic cars, such as the AT system. To avoid confusion, you need to know the following differences.
1. Working Mechanism
The first noticeable difference between the CVT and AT transmission systems can be seen in their working mechanisms. As explained earlier, the CVT system uses all transmission sets to change the speed of the car.
In contrast, the AT (Automatic Transmission) system requires various gear sets to change the speed of the car. For example, if your car uses an AT transmission system with 3 gear sets, you need to shift each different gear to adjust the car's speed to your liking. For instance, changing the lever to N, R, D, L, and P.
2. Operation
The next difference lies in the operation. For the CVT system, the operation is easier because it has a steel belt and two pulleys. These components are used to shift the engine gears to match the engine speed. Meanwhile, in the AT system, you need to understand the signs or symbols on the car's transmission when changing the car's speed.
3. Acceleration
In terms of acceleration, cars with CVT systems are considered superior to cars with AT systems. Why is that? As explained earlier, the use of one gear set when changing the car's speed in the CVT system increases engine brake power. Moreover, the CVT system is designed for smooth roads and non-heavy-duty vehicles. This makes the car more comfortable, smoother, and its acceleration faster.
On the other hand, the AT system's use of various gear sets to change speed causes the car to jerk when shifting gears. Additionally, the AT system is designed for vehicles with heavy loads and steep roads. This means that cars with AT systems must align engine brake engine brake with the transmission lever shift. This condition makes the acceleration of the AT system less comfortable.
4. Fuel Efficiency
The simple working mechanism of the CVT system and its optimization of engine brake power make cars with this system very fuel-efficient compared to the AT system.
Read Also: This is the Secret of Why CVT Transmission is More Fuel Efficient
5. Purchase and Maintenance Costs
The application of advanced technology in the CVT system makes cars with this system sold at higher prices compared to the AT system. Additionally, the maintenance costs of the CVT system are also considered more expensive than the AT system, due to its more complex maintenance aspects.
Speaking of the best car transmission maintenance, you can trust it to Daihatsu workshops. Here, your car will receive the best service from a competent mechanic. Moreover, the use of original parts extends the wear life of your car's components.
