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The 3 Main Car Transmission Types Explained

The 3 Main Car Transmission Types Explained


Whether you are new to the world of cars or have been driving for years, it is essential to understand the different types of transmissions available in vehicles. Though most drivers only learn about one kind, each has its benefits and drawbacks. 

 

This blog post will break down the three main types of transmissions for you. We'll explain how they work and what makes them different from one another.

 

Manual Transmission

A manual transmission is the oldest and most traditional type of transmission. It has been used in cars for over a hundred years. A manual transmission uses a driver-operated clutch to regulate torque and transfer power from the engine to the transmission. 


Since manual transmissions are the simplest of all transmission types, they have the most extended lives. Manual transmissions are becoming less common as more drivers switch to automatic transmissions.

 

Benefits - A significant advantage of manual transmission is that they offer better fuel economy than other types of transmissions. They also provide more control over the car, allowing drivers to make quick adjustments on the fly.

 

Drawbacks - One downside of a manual transmission is that it can be challenging to learn how to operate. If you don't know what you're doing, you can easily stall out your car. 

 

Automatic Transmission

Automatic transmissions are the most popular transmission type. This transmission type automatically changes gear ratios when the vehicle moves. They're easy to use, making driving a car much more uncomplicated.

 

Benefits - Automatic transmissions offer good fuel economy and reduce wear and tear on the engine. Automatic transmissions offer better drivability and innovation. 

 

Drawbacks - One downside of automatic transmissions is that they can be less responsive than manual transmissions. They're also more expensive than other transmissions types.

 

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) 

CVTs are transmissions that don't have gears. Instead, this system relies on a belt and pulleys mechanism to change the gears. This transmission type is becoming more popular because it offers good fuel economy and performance.

 

Benefits - CVTs offer excellent fuel economy, they're responsive, and they can handle a lot of power. 

 

Drawbacks - One downside of CVTs is that they can be expensive to repair or replace. They also tend to be less reliable than other types of transmissions.

 

Which transmission type is best for you? That depends on your needs and driving habits. If you want something simple that's easy to use, go with an automatic transmission. If you want better fuel economy, consider a CVT. And if you prefer the traditional driving experience, go for manual transmission.


Are you unimpressed by your vehicle's transmission performance? Don't worry! Southgate Ford, serving Allen Park, MI, can help you out. Our team of experts is more than happy to provide service for any type of transmission, so schedule an appointment today and let us take care of your vehicle. 

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