You’ve heard of automatic transmissions. You’ve heard of manual transmissions. But CTV transmissions? What are CVT transmissions? And are they difficult to repair?
Let’s first describe what a CVT transmission is before we get into CVT transmission repair. To do this, it’s helpful to give a brief overview of automatic and manual transmissions. An automatic transmission automatically changes the gear ratio as your automobile moves, meaning that you do not have to shift gears manually. Automatic transmissions allow the internal combustion engine to provide a range of speed and torque outputs even though the engine itself maintains a relatively high rotational speed. Manual transmissions require the driver to change gears by manually operating a gear stick and clutch. Manual transmissions require more work from the driver, but also allow for more control. Some drivers prefer the extra control, while others prefer the ease-of-use of an automatic transmission. Automatic transmissions are heavier and less fuel-efficient.
But what of the CVT transmission? Well, CVT transmissions are technically a subset of automatic transmission. CVT stands for “continuously variable transmission”, so, yes, technically you do not need to say “CVT transmission” as the second “transmission” is redundant. But people often do say, “CVT transmission”, just as many say, “ATM machine”. Nomenclature aside, how does a CVT work?
CVTs shift seamlessly through a continuous range of gear ratios. Other transmissions provide only a limited number of gear ratios in fixed steps. The flexibility of a CVT means that the engine can operate at a constant RPM even while the vehicle moves at varying speeds. CVTs are an improvement on the traditional automatic transmission and we can expect more and more vehicles to utilise a CVT. They operate more smoothly than other transmissions, however there is one common problem with CVTs.
At Mister Transmission, one of the most common CVT transmission repairs we do takes only a matter of minutes. It consists largely of our technicians are reassuring clients that their CVT transmission doesn’t need to be repaired at all. This is because CVTs have a habit of making strange noises, like clunking, that are common among problematic automatic transmissions. At Mister Transmission, we of course run out Multi-Check Inspection just to be sure, though.
The flexibility of the CVT means it might be more resistant to problems than other automatic transmissions. But overall, they’re susceptible to all the same problems, so in the end, CVT transmission repairs are really not any more or less difficult. To learn more about CVT transmission repair, please contact us.
The evolution of transmissions has made these machines and systems increasingly complex. When transmission repairs are required, determining the cause and cure for what ails can be tricky.
Read More
At Mister Transmission we have access to leading-edge diagnostic equipment, enabling us to offer you the fastest and most accurate findings about what’s going on inside your vehicle’s transmission.
Read More
Just as you have other parts of your car serviced, your transmission needs maintenance to ensure a long life and avoid transmission problems.
Read More