CVT Car Transmission: Smooth Movement and Fuel Efficient

Continuous Variable Transmission or CVT is one of the four types of automatic transmissions in cars. The other three are hydraulic automatic transmission, dual clutch transmission, and automated manual transmission.

Compared to hydraulic automatic transmission, CVT in cars has advantages, namely the transmission shift can be very smooth without jolts. CVT can also adjust so that the engine works lighter because its transmission ratio keeps changing.

The process of shifting the CVT transmission in cars is produced through changes in the diameter of the drive and driven pulleys that follow the engine's rotation, my friend. Then it is connected with a belt made of steel.

Purpose of Car Transmission

Before discussing CVT further, you need to understand the purpose of car transmission first. The transmission aims to provide the desired acceleration options. Without a transmission, of course, the car would only move at one speed, thus lacking the power to accelerate faster.

With the presence of a transmission, you can shift gears that have different ratios, making it easier to achieve the desired speed. Especially in automatic transmissions, shifting gears is much easier compared to manual, making it more comfortable.

Advantages of CVT in Cars

As the most widely used transmission compared to other types, CVT indeed has many advantages. One of them is that it is not equipped with gears like conventional automatics.

In addition to smoothness in driving even on bumpy roads, CVT in cars is also related to fuel efficiency, my friend. CVT is claimed to be more fuel-efficient because when the engine rotates, it is more controlled and stable.

The weight of CVT is lighter with a compact structure compared to conventional transmissions. This is what makes fuel consumption more efficient. CVT is also designed to maintain engine rotation better, so power is more optimal when the car is moving and useful when overtaking other cars.

Does Not Require High RPM

Revolutions per minute or RPM is a unit for measuring the speed of the car's engine rotation. Usually, RPM will be displayed on the car's speedometer with a unit multiplied by 1,000. This RPM must be considered when shifting gears so that the engine works according to its portion.

In CVT cars, the driver does not need high RPM to get great power. So, it doesn't matter if the gear shifts and the RPM is low; it does not affect the engine. This condition also makes CVT more fuel-efficient.

However, because of this, CVT may not be very satisfying for drivers who want to drive a car with fast acceleration. If forced, the engine will quickly be damaged.

Disadvantages of CVT

With advantages, there are certainly disadvantages. However, CVT in cars does not have many drawbacks. The most highlighted is that it is indeed more expensive compared to other transmissions, especially when damaged and needs repair, because its system is so complex.

However, due to its higher price, its management is more meticulous, so it rarely breaks down or has problems. Especially when the car is driven properly, it will certainly be more durable. So, CVT is not suitable for drivers who often drive recklessly because the engine can quickly be damaged.

How It Works

As explained earlier, CVT in cars uses a pair of pulleys connected by a steel belt. These two pulleys can enlarge and shrink and move left and right according to the car's engine work.

Because the pulleys can change size, the diameter of the belt also changes. This change in the diameter of the steel belt is what becomes the gear ratio in CVT cars. This is what allows the gear shifting to occur without pauses, so there are no jolts during gear changes.

Each pulley works driven by a fluid pump system, making the engine's work much lighter. Thus, the level of speed shifting feels smoother and more comfortable.

Difference Between CVT and Regular Automatic

CVT and regular automatic machines indeed both do not require pressing the clutch pedal like in manual cars. However, the technology used by both is different, my friend.

In a regular automatic transmission, the gear shifting system uses a planetary gear set. Regular automatics also still use a torque converter that utilizes oil pressure from the valve body that moves the input shaft for its system like a manual car's clutch device.

Meanwhile, CVT in cars is more advanced in its engine usage and offers direct options, namely manual and automatic. In CVT, even a paddle shift feature has been embedded, allowing gear shifting with just a touch of a finger.

More Friendly for Beginner Drivers

CVT in cars does not have gears like manual car transmissions, so it only involves the gas and brake. For gear positions 1, 2, 3, 4, and reverse, there is no need to use a lever, but it is operated only with pulleys.

These two pulleys are the driving pulley and the driven pulley. This is certainly easier to understand for beginner drivers. Moreover, the smooth sensation while driving, without any significant jolts, also makes driving easier, so they do not feel panicked.

For beginner drivers, driving a car just by using the gas and brake will certainly be safer. CVT's acceleration is also not as high as other transmissions, making it more comfortable. Moreover, CVT has a strong engine brake, so when going down a slope, there is no need to brake too hard because it can control the engine's speed well.

What to Pay Attention to with CVT

If you are going to drive a car with CVT and the car is at a stop, you do not need to neutralize the vehicle because it does not endanger the system like in conventional automatics.

You are also not advised to hold the car on an incline by pressing the gas pedal hard because it will actually make the CVT system not last long. Instead, it is better to hold the engine by pressing the brake pedal.

However, you can still press the gas with high strength because it is perfectly fine to do so in CVT and will not damage its components. If usually you have to neutralize the vehicle when going down a long slope to save fuel, in CVT it is not necessary because it does not affect fuel savings.

Remember, do not hold the engine at high RPM when shifting from neutral to D because it will damage the transmission system. Wait until the car stops when changing direction from forward to reverse.

Those are some things you can learn about CVT car transmissions. If you are a beginner driver, this system is suitable for driving because it is not too complicated. Especially when the road conditions are congested, CVT is safe for moving forward and backward according to the flow of traffic jams, and it is safe, not damaging the system.

Author: Nisa Maulan Shofa