Introduction
Automatic transmission gears are incredibly popular today, and it’s easy to see why. These transmissions give you the convenience of not requiring to balance the clutch, which makes life a lot easier. In the premium models of cars being produced today, you will not find a manual gearbox. The same is also true for a plug-in hybrid, full hybrid, or even an electric car. Part of this convenience is guaranteed by the state-of-the-art that they have.
But did you know that there are different types of automatic transmissions? Each of the five types of automatic transmissions has its own benefits and disadvantages, and this depends on how you drive and the specific type of car that you need. To make matters worse, car producers often add brand names to these types of transmissions, something that can make it harder to compare different models.
Notwithstanding what it is called, an automatic transmission must be one of the 5 types. In this article, we tell you the different types of automatic transmissions and their advantages. By the end of reading this article, you will know which one to buy and the automatikgetriebe reparatur shop that you need to take your car. Read on to learn more.
- Torque Converter Automatic
Pros
- It is incredibly smooth
- Manual control is sometimes available
Cons
- It can be less fuel-efficient compared to a manual car
- It’s no match for a twin-clutch transmission especially when it comes to shifting speed.
The torque converter transmission is the most grounded automatic gearbox technology. It is still the no.1 choice for luxury cars, and that’s because of its incredible smoothness and easy work at an automatikgetriebe reparatur shop.
Instead of the flywheel of the engine being connected to the clutch, a torque converter relies instead on a hydraulic fluid for transmitting engine power to its wheels.
Due to the absence of physical connection, this transmission can be a tad bit less efficient when it comes to transferring engine power onto the road. It means that, based on the model, this type of transmission might be less economical compared to a manual type.
However, these cars are ideal for relaxed driving. Some models provide the option of changing the gears manually. This can be through paddles that are fixed behind the steering wheel or the gear lever.
- Automated manual transmission
Pros
- It is one of the less expensive options
Cons
- Can be jerky and slow-shifting
Also known as a clutch-less or robotic manual, an automatic manual transmission car is precisely what it says. It sports the standard functioning of the 5 or 6-speed manual transmission of a car, but with the clutch pedal replaced with an electronic control system.
This type of transmission is mostly fitted on cheaper vehicles like city cars, where it is not cost-effective to install another type of transmission.
It is perfect for individuals that want an automatic car but not something humongous. However, the disadvantages of this type of transmission can be quite dim-witting. It is not only slow when changing gears, but also jerky when being operated.
Thus, these vehicles are not recommended unless you really want them.
Before twin-clutch transmission was invented, automated manuals were used in sports cars to great effect. These cars featured an efficient verteilergetriebe and refined control units that could shift gears in a fraction of a second. But this notwithstanding, these gears remained rough, especially at town speeds.
- Twin-clutch automatic
Pros
- Quick shifting and smooth
- Provides manual control
Cons
- It can sometimes be an expensive option
Some of the models this type of manual transmission is marketed under include DSG (Volkswagen), and PDK (Porsche), double or twin-clutch gearboxes are late entrants into the car market. They debuted in the early 2000s on the Audi TT.
Just like its name suggests, a twin-clutch gearbox has 2 clutches. The computer will use the free gear to engage the one it anticipates you will require next. Thanks to this reason, gear-changing is way smoother and quicker than a standard automated manual, but without the fuel penalty that a torque converter automatic gearbox comes with.
They are so versatile that they find use in like Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo. You can also find these gears in hard-to-charge sports cars such as Porsche 911. Their popularity is down to their shift speeds and efficiency.
Despite the fact that twin-clutch automatics are very good generally, they tend to change to the highest gear. This may lead to a negligible delay in downshifting.
Fortunately, these transmissions respond excellently to manual gear shifting, which is great for someone that wants to be in charge of gear control. It makes them wildly popular in sports cars.
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Pros
- Incredibly smooth and efficient
Cons
- Sends engine revs soaring in case of hard acceleration.
- You must get used to the driving experience
Since it lacks fixed gear ratios, a CVT cannot be strictly said to be a gearbox. Instead, the wheels and the engine are connected through two cones and there is a belt in between. The cones move as you accelerate.
The most notable advantage of CVT transmissions is their efficiency. Since they can infinitely and precisely change the gear ratio, it is possible to hold the engine at the most opportune rpm for any driving situation.
Hybrid models are the most likely to have this type of transmission. Examples include Toyota RAV 4 SUV and Toyota Prius.
CVTs don’t have a break when transferring the power of the engine to the wheels, something that makes them ultra-smooth.
But this refinement is very easily undone when accelerating. That is because CVTs hold engines at high revolutions to give you the most power. It usually leads to strange noises in the cabin, especially if the engine that it is paired with is not exceptionally powerful.
- Single-speed gearbox
Pros
- It is incredibly smooth
- Simple to operate
Cons
- Used only on electric cars
Electric motors’ unique characteristics make single-speed transmissions commonplace in electric cars.
Sporting a traditional combustion engine, it requires the use of gears to produce the most optimum torque by keeping it at peak revs per minute. An electric motor supplies maximum torque irrespective of the speed it is spinning at.
Since an electric has way fewer moving parts compared to a combustion engine, the maximum rpm it produces is also a lot higher. Coupled with the torque, this means that the majority of electric cars can give out enough power with just one gear.
Conclusion
Automatic transmissions are rarely the same. While all of them feature verteilergetriebe, they are unique in their own different ways. Based on your preferred car type, some transmissions are better than others. By understanding the different types of automatic transmissions as well as the way they work, you will know which automatikgetriebe reparatur shop to take it for servicing.
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