What is CVT Transmission, How it Works – Pros and Cons
There are so many vehicle-related terms that only car enthusiasts can understand. However, if you are planning to shop for a new car, then it is important to learn about these terms as it can help you find the best car for your needs. One of the terms that you may come across is the Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT.
How CVT works?
The Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT is a type of transmission system which doesn’t have any gears. Instead, it features a belt that connects a pair of pulleys of adjustable width; this means that the width changes according to the power that the car needs. One pulley is connected to the wheels while the other one is on the car’s engine. The difference between the vehicles with CVT and those with automatic transmissions isn’t too noticeable especially when you are just looking around during your car-shopping. However, this is no longer the case when you are driving them. Continuously Variable Transmission typically offers you a smoother ride in a way that it chooses the ideal speed for any given situation and maintains it — no matter how much pressure you apply to the gas pedal. Aside from that, CVT allows the car to take off from a stoplight and climb on a hard terrain easily.
The Pros of CVT
If you are looking for a car that can help you save on fuel, then you may want to choose cars with CVT transmission. Car models using CVT receive an outstanding rating when it comes to miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway. Smooth riding experience is also one of the reasons why car owners prefer this type of transmission. You will no longer need to worry on the “bouncing and grinding” moments that you usually experience with cars in automatic transmission.
CVT also offers a very responsive reaction and the maximum level of power every time you press the accelerator to the floor or when you are driving up a mountain. And since it is gearless, this means that the system unit is lighter and there are lesser parts that can break down while running. With this, if the vehicle is maintained well then it will last longer than its counterpart.
The Cons of CVT
While vehicles running with Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT last longer than the cars with automatic transmission, this doesn’t mean that it won’t break down after some time. And when it does, the replacement can be very costly as you might need to replace the whole transmission system with brand new. And even if repair or rebuild is possible, you may discover that the cost may be twice higher than repairing a traditional transmission.
Another disadvantage of CVT is the adjustment that you have to make on your driving habits. If you are used to a car that changes acceleration according to how you want it, then you will definitely need a few adjustments with CVT. Moreover, car owners who are familiar with CVT have found that this type of transmission is noisier especially underneath the seat. Though, the noise doesn’t affect the driving experience; but if you are used to a quiet drive with on your car, then you may find it uncomfortable with a CVT transmission.
Whether a vehicle with CVT transmission is right for you or not really depends on how your driving needs. If you are looking for a vehicle with a great power boost when driving on difficult terrain regardless of its cost, then CVT transmission is right for you.
