Manufacturers have created different types of transmissions over the years. When shopping for a new or used car, it’s important that you know what type of transmission a car has. This will affect the performance, fuel economy and so on of the car’s engine.
What’s the difference between all of them? Let’s find out.
- Automatic Transmission (AT) – Automatic transmission is the type of transmission most millennials are familiar with. It uses a torque converter, planetary gearset as well as clutches or bands. These parts let the engine shift through a vehicle’s gears automatically. There are certain automatics which let the driver control the vehicle manually to an extent.
- Manual Transmission (MT) – In a manual transmission, the vehicle operator can switch through all the gears manually using a driver-operated clutch as well as a movable gear selector. Older people are more comfortable using manual transmission vehicles because they were much more common a couple of decades ago. It is also called “stick shift” and “standard transmission.”
- Automated Manual Transmission (AM) – An automated manual transmission is similar to a manual transmission based on the fact that it also uses a mechanical clutch. The similarities end there as the clutch is operated using electronic, pneumatic or hydraulic controls instead of being controlled by the driver. It is also called “Direct Shift Gearbox” or “Sequential Manual Gearbox.”
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) – A CVT has a continuously variable drive ratio. It uses belts, pulleys, and sensors instead of gears in order to maintain a steady acceleration curve. This ensures that there isn’t any jerkiness or pauses when there is a need to change gears. As a result, CVT’s keep engines in their optimum power range. This increases the efficiency of the engine and returns better gas mileage.
Our team in Brandon serving Tampa, Riverview, Bloomingdale, Mango, Seffner and surrounding areas are expert certified technicians equipped to repair any transmission your vehicle has. We service all makes and models! So visit us for any of your auto repair needs.